urgent question re: broody and chicks

[IroquoisEgg]

I have 2 broodies that have hatched chicks 2 days ago, the other eggs have not hatched, how long do I wait to take unhatched eggs away so momma's will get off nest and get babies food/water?? They are in the general population but I made a make-shift area that they can get to for food and water, also managed to put some in the little nest box with them. I am so worried about the chicks though, I know they can live without food but need water sooner. I don't want to take chicks away from them but will if I have to. Please people with more experience advise me!!

 

[miss_thenorth]

The momma hen will give up on the other eggs soon enough and leave the nest. I wouldn't worry about it. I know its difficult for you , but she will know whats best.

 

[IroquoisEgg]

Thank you for that- I am usually pretty calm person but when it comes to babies

I keep telling myself this Mother Nature knows what's goin' on leave it be. Then 10 minutes later I'm out there again peeking around!

 

[Silkie Sue]

Quote:
Mother Nature and Human Nature not from same PLANET....

they will do great without intervention.... pull up a chair and sit on those hands

 

[miss_thenorth]

Mother Nature and Human Nature not from same PLANET....

 

[wegotchickens]

I usually candle the eggs under broodies from time to time, to make sure no one laid a fresh egg in there that's behind the others. If one did, I assign each broody eggs in the same hatch-range to avoid a 2-week egg being abandoned when the rest of the eggs hatch.

My broody stays on the chicks for a day or two to let them recover from hatching. But when they need feed and water she wont stay on the nest, even if viable eggs are in there.

 

[PeakyBeaky]

We took ours out after waiting 3 additional days-all were dead. The hen got right up after that and began to eat.