Question on broody and chicks

[kbbeale]

It's been a long while since I allowed my girls to go broody on me - I'm always so selfish and I steal their eggs! So, I have two seramas that were really wanting to brood, so I let them this time. I estimated this weekend for their eggs to start hatching - go out to gather eggs from other, non-broody hens.......what do I find?

So......these chicks that are in the nest will be ready to venture out soon, I assume. The nests are a good 2 1/2 feet up off the ground. Should I steal the chicks and put them in my brooder, or ? I guess I have to, since she's still setting the other eggs - right? Now I feel horrible taking her babies.

But I of course dont want anything bad to happen to the babies.

 

[PortageGirl]

Bah, they don't eat for at least 3 days, wait a bit. 2 1/2 feet is a bit high, but honestly, chicks do sort of 'poof' down, and really don't hurt themselves, they're just so fuzzy and fluffy and light... you can wait though, hope most hatch, and then move them all down to the ground level.

Have you read this article? http://www.themodernhomestead.us/article/Broody-Hens-1.html Not pertinent to your situation now, just interesting.

 

[Country Guy John]

Mama have been doing a great job for ages without our help. However, you may want to set up a nest on the ground level once they venture out.

 

[kbbeale]

Thanks for the info. They're in a coop with 14 other hens and 3 roosters - there's plenty of room for everyone.....once the babies venture out, will they be safe with the rest of the flock too? I feel like such a newbie right now, even though we've had chickens for YEARS ! LOL

 

[CarlaRiggs]

With that many other chickens in the coop, I'd think about moving Mama out with her babies, nest and all.

If that's not possible, put in a few areas within the coop to which the chicks can skedaddle to get away from any grumpy hens or roosters. They'll soon learn to hide under Mama or the little niches you set up for them.

Carla

 

[Ducklove334]

Momma will beat the crap outta anyone who gets too close that she thinks will hurt her babies

cute little babies, we have a broody hen who started setting on the first, her eggs if they hatch, are due to hatch the 22nd