What to do with newly hatched chicks

[mlcorey]

We have quite a few eggs ready to hatch in the next few days. Unfortunately this is coinciding with some potentially freezing weather. We have an enclosed coop and our brooder is in a snug box, but it’s going to be chilly. Do we need to remove the baby chicks as they hatch and bring them inside to a bin with a heat lamp or can we leave them with the mom with a heat lamp on her space? I’ve attached a picture of her condo within the coop.

 

[SueT]

Don't take them away from the hen....Mom can keep them warm. If your weather is like here, there's only one really cold day (Sat.) before the warm up.

 

[4 ever Orpington]

We have quite a few eggs ready to hatch in the next few days. Unfortunately this is coinciding with some potentially freezing weather. We have an enclosed coop and our brooder is in a snug box, but it’s going to be chilly. Do we need to remove the baby chicks as they hatch and bring them inside to a bin with a heat lamp or can we leave them with the mom with a heat lamp on her space? I’ve attached a picture of her condo within the coop.

 

[CannedMonster]

Is your hen an experienced mother?
I’d leave them with her but if she’s not experienced I’d keep a close eye on them and a brooder ready just in case she doesn’t know what to do.

 

[mlcorey]

She will be a new mother! What can we do to help her if she doesn’t know what to do? What are likely to be her problems?

Is your hen an experienced mother?
I’d leave them with her but if she’s not experienced I’d keep a close eye on them and a brooder ready just in case she doesn’t know what to do.

 

[Beer can]

99% of the time the hen instinctively knows what to do, and temp is no prob with broody raised chicks. She'll keep them warm and safe. Broody raised chicks are a lot hardier.

 

[CannedMonster]

I’m no expert but I know she should wait until they all hatch (sometimes not all of the eggs hatch).
It may take a couple of days. The chicks will absorb their yolk and that will sustain them for a couple of days.
She should allow the chicks to go under her for warmth.
She might get up to eat and drink but she should go back to the chicks and let them snuggle under her.
You just don’t want her to abandon them.
You may want to repost this under the “Hatching Chicks” forum.
I don’t know why some more experienced members haven’t responded.
I’ll try to tag some.
Anyone know more about hatching chicks with a brand new broody?
@Blooie

 

[CannedMonster]

99% of the time the hen instinctively knows what to do, and temp is no prob with broody raised chicks. She'll keep them warm and safe. Broody raised chicks are a lot hardier.

X2 Thank you Beer Can!

 

[Beer can]

I’m no expert but I know she should wait until they all hatch (sometimes not all of the eggs hatch).

Yup, and I've had them not want to leave the nest when they still have unhatched eggs. It's like they are in a just sit there like a statue coma lol.
So after a couple days I remove any eggs that are left and kick their butts off. Then just leave them to do 'their thing'. I've never had any, even first time broodies not raise their chicks good. But I'm sure there is exceptions out there.