What to feed Mom?

[LifeOnTheMt]

Chicks are about 8 weeks old now. I've read that mama will stop mothering around 4-5 weeks old? What can we feed mama to help egg production that is also not harmful to young chicks?

 

[lazy gardener]

Unmedicated chick starter or multiflock. Offer oyster shell on the side for Mama.

 

[LifeOnTheMt]

Unmedicated chick starter or multiflock.  Offer oyster shell on the side for Mama.

They are all on chick starter. Will oyster shell harm the littles or can they all eat it?

 

[lazy gardener]

Won't harm them. Simply offer it in separate container, or toss it on the ground.

 

[LifeOnTheMt]

Won't harm them.  Simply offer it in separate container, or toss it on the ground.

We will do this today. Thank you so much!

 

[aart]

Is mama still sleeping with the chicks?
Has she taught them to roost?
8 weeks is long, but not unprecedented.

 

[LifeOnTheMt]

Is mama still sleeping with the chicks?
Has she taught them to roost?
8 weeks is long, but not unprecedented.

Yes, mama has taught them to roost. Picked up oyster shells yesterday. Loving these peeps!

 

[aart]

Quote: Are these your only birds?
If they are, mama might not shun/wean them as when in a flock with other older birds.

 

[LifeOnTheMt]

Are these your only birds?
If they are, mama might not shun/wean them as when in a flock with other older birds.

Yes these are our only birds. What does that mean "moma might not shun/wean them"?

 

[aart]

Quote: A broody in a flock of other birds will stop 'taking care' of the chicks at 4-8 weeks and will go back to roosting with the flock if they've been sleeping on a nest.
She might chase them away from her, she will go back to mating with the cockbird and/or laying eggs.
Lots of different variations depending on the situation.