Question? Nesting mama hatched 4 today.

[erinnoesis]

The question is what do I need to do? Mom is very protective but will step off her nest for me to see, she hatched 4 total. 2 died 2 alive. Do they need anything from me? These are our first ever hatchlings. Any advice?

 

[eggbert420]

She knows how to care for them.

 

[erinnoesis]

That's what I was thinking, but I was doing a little browsing and someone else was taliking about heat lamps and starter feed, while her mamma and chick was in the video, making me rethink everything.

 

[R2elk]

That's what I was thinking, but I was doing a little browsing and someone else was talking about heat lamps and starter feed, while her mamma and chick was in the video, making me rethink everything.

You don't need any extra heat as the hen will provide all the warmth they need.

You should place a poult accessible water source nearby. You do need to provide feed nearby also. It should be a high protein starter feed such as turkey/gamebird starter. You don't want to place the feed too close to the nest so that you don't attract unwanted guests to the nest. It should be within easy access for the poults.

From your photos there is no source of water or food so you have to provide it for them.

Good luck.

 

[irischick]

Congratulations on your hatch! We had 11 hatch last thursday. Mom is doing her job - no heat needed.Let nature take its course. We have our shelter bedded down with a layer of straw. She might be more comfortable.

Best of luck.

 

[R2elk]

Congratulations on your hatch! We had 11 hatch last thursday. Mom is doing her job - no heat needed.Let nature take its course. We have our shelter bedded down with a layer of straw. She might be more comfortable.

Best of luck.

They are actually better off on that dirt floor than a bed of straw.