Will my hen teach my chick to eat?

[Gossie]

I have a baby silkie chick that hatched today under it's mommy, a blue silkie named Caroline. I have never hatched egg in an incubator or under a broody hen so this is all new for me. Caroline is still sitting on 3 eggs that will hopefully hatch tomorrow. Will she teach her chicks to eat from the feeder, or do I have to do something to help them?

 

[Judy]

Mama should take care of everything. Remember that the chick has yolk that will sustain it for a couple of days. In a day or two, the mama should leave any unhatched eggs 9if there are any) to take the chicks out to teach them to forage, eat and drink, provide protection from any hens who get too curious, etc. And Silkies as rule make great mamas.

 

[Folly's place]

Broody hens are the best! Just enjoy the whole baby experience. Mary

 

[jonathan111]

i bought week old chicks recently and was amazed they knew how to eat and drink and even have dust baths and fly.