OK, I have a new situation, and have some questions. We are in our 4th year of having chickens. We have had quite a few broodies, but they have never hatched any chicks. (We have 1 banty rooster among 72 hens, 7 banties, and the rest standard). We received a surprise a couple days ago when we found one of our banty hens had gone broody and was hiding in the machine shed and had 3 brand new chicks with her. Hooray!!!! We knew enough to move her to a safe, enclosed area with her chicks, away from the rest of the flock. We provided a shallow bowl of water as well as chick starter to mama and her babies. Yesterday, however, we lost a chick-not sure why. Mama, of course, is VERY protective and ornery if we try to help the chicks. (she is also sitting on 6 more of her own eggs). Hubby and I have gone back and forth trying to decide if we should separate the chicks from mama and care for them ourselves, supplying a brooder lamp, etc.. Or should we let mama take care of them-trusting she will provide all care, including helping them with water, food, and so on. She keeps them warm under her wings, so heat isnt an issue. (The weather here is in the 70's-80's). I'm just not sure why the chick died yesterday and dont want to lose any more. S do we let nature take it's course, or do we separate them? Thanks all for any info-you are all so full of knowledge!
Tiffany
Tiffany
