I have a very broody Ameraucana hen who is sitting on 2 fertile hatching eggs (I don't have a roo!) I'm wondering when the chicks hatch, will the mama hen protect her chicks from the rest of my little flock?
Some people say mama and chicks can be left in the coop with the others (all of them have free access to a huge run),
but then I hear the others will peck and kill the chicks!
Best advice please?
Also, if you advise to put chicks in a brooder (box with heat lamp)
do I put mama 'with' them, or remove them from her?
How about a wire dog ex-pen on the coop floor, covered with screening so the others can't get to the chicks?
I could cover it with screening, provide both starter feed and water for mama & babies.....the others could 'see' them, but not get to them.
For how long would such a set up be needed? When could everyone be allowed to
be together?
Thanks for any thoughts/advice!
Some people say mama and chicks can be left in the coop with the others (all of them have free access to a huge run),
but then I hear the others will peck and kill the chicks!
Best advice please?
Also, if you advise to put chicks in a brooder (box with heat lamp)
do I put mama 'with' them, or remove them from her?
How about a wire dog ex-pen on the coop floor, covered with screening so the others can't get to the chicks?
I could cover it with screening, provide both starter feed and water for mama & babies.....the others could 'see' them, but not get to them.
For how long would such a set up be needed? When could everyone be allowed to
be together?
Thanks for any thoughts/advice!