Something different every day

[Chickengene]

Maleficent just finished hatching five of the eleven eggs we put under her when she went broody. Four hatched a day ahead of schedule and one two days later. Day four she led led outside.
I immediately noticed the late bloomer was by herself while momma and Ruby one of my older hens were hovering over the other four and pecking at goodies for them to eat.
Not sure what to do with the baby as momma and the brood keep wandering off and leaving her behind.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

You need to pen them up for a few days so mom can't wander off an leave any. Generally by a week or two old they can all keep up good.

 

[chickens really]

Yes you definitely need to give Momma time to bond with babies and babies to learn to keep up and not get lost..

 

[Chickengene]

You need to pen them up for a few days so mom can't wander off an leave any. Generally by a week or two old they can all keep up good.

Yes I kept them locked in the coop an extra two days. That means the youngest is at least three days old.
I noticed when malMalefic and Ruby were scratching and pecking at bugs and stuff showing the babies how to eat, the little guy would not try to eat or investigate. He just kept trying to stay up under Maleficent. Except when she dawdled off, then he tried to get under the dog.

 

[Chickengene]

Another thing I learned today is never ever share my watermelon, cantaloupe and/or strawberries with my chickens.
Not my free range chickens anyway.
What a huge horrible mess.