I have not separated my hens and their eggs yet from the flock but the hatch date is next Thursday. I was wondering if I should/could separate her from the flock after all the eggs have hatched? Im concerned about the chicks.
I have 20 hens in my flock and a rooster. Ideas?? This is my first time going through this process. I have Black Rocks and Rhode Island Reds that are broody
The past 2 times I have had broody hens, I have let them hatch where they wish, and then once the chicks hatch I take the hen and her chicks away from the flock. Then when the chicks are bigger and stronger, you can put the hen and her chicks outside. I usually put the hen and her chicks in a crate at night, and let them free-range the the whole flock in the morning at that point, but it's up to you.
Thank you! I was just concerned that I would cause the hens to orphan their chicks if I moved them. This all being new to me I was trying to prepare myself.
Hello and Welcome To BYC! I usually try to separate the broodies from the other birds, so they don't bother the hen by trying to lay eggs in the nest or when they chicks are hatching etc... if you can block off the nests now the broodies are in so you don't have to move them is probably the best idea. If you are going to leave them all together...what are you feeding your flock? Remember chicks can not eat Layer food.
Kelsie X2 Keep the broody and her babies separate for a while so they all stay safe. Feed the momma and her babies a flock raiser as the babies can't eat layer feed yet and momma doesn't need any either until she goes back to laying.
I have 20 hens in my flock and a rooster. Ideas?? This is my first time going through this process. I have Black Rocks and Rhode Island Reds that are broody
and Welcome To BYC! I usually try to separate the broodies from the other birds, so they don't bother the hen by trying to lay eggs in the nest or when they chicks are hatching etc... if you can block off the nests now the broodies are in so you don't have to move them is probably the best idea. If you are going to leave them all together...what are you feeding your flock? Remember chicks can not eat Layer food.
