Wing It Ranch

[WingItRanch]

Update: mama is off the nest. Not sure if it was her choice or she was bullied off but she's laying down in the middle of the coop with all the babies under her. Still hear chirping so they're ok.

I cleaned up her nest and grabbed the final egg. Not a single pip. I candeled it. Didn't see a thing. I finally opened it. Just runny yolk. So I guess I was right when I first candeled them all and noticed that one was clear.

 

[Auntiejessi3]

Update: mama is off the nest. Not sure if it was her choice or she was bullied off but she's laying down in the middle of the coop with all the babies under her. Still hear chirping so they're ok.

I cleaned up her nest and grabbed the final egg. Not a single pip. I candeled it. Didn't see a thing. I finally opened it. Just runny yolk. So I guess I was right when I first candeled them all and noticed that one was clear.

She'll be out and about soon enough. You're gonna be hooked after this I highly doubt anyone is going to be bullying her, they all know there is a ball of crazy under all those feathers, lol

 

[WingItRanch]

Yep! She's been walking around the coop with them. All 4 following around like little soldiers! Looks like she's settled them down again in a nest box. Surprisingly, a completely different nest box than the one she's been using!

 

[Auntiejessi3]

Yep! She's been walking around the coop with them. All 4 following around like little soldiers! Looks like she's settled them down again in a nest box. Surprisingly, a completely different nest box than the one she's been using!
View attachment 4213683View attachment 4213684

Onyx always picks the left corner of the coop for her sleeping area when she has chicks, your lady will find her spot. You'll be amazed how agile those little boogers get. I'm so excited for you!

 

[WingItRanch]

I'm really loving watching mom with her babies. It's so beautiful. No issues since the Barred Rock drama this morning. She's been taking them to drink and eat a lot and then back under her. Those little stinkers are so bold! They're just running around like they own the place. She looks annoyed they won't stay closer. Haha

 

[WingItRanch]

I found one chick in the middle of the coop barely alive with mama feeding her other 3 chicks on the other side of the coop. She had a very severe head injury and her leg was backwards. When I picked her up, she screamed and mama came after me. I felt I had no choice but to end her suffering.

Need some advice. Should I take mama and remaining 3 babies out of the coop and keep them separate from the flock until the babies are less fragile? @Tstraub @Auntiejessi3

Edit: or should I just understand that there's some risk and let nature take its course?

 

[Tstraub]

I’m sorry to hear about your chick. I have been fortunate enough that I don’t have any first hand experience with this situation. If you have the ability move the hen and chicks easily then that’s probably what I would do.

I have a grow out pin that shares a run with my main coop. Sometimes I separate momma and chicks sometimes I let everyone stay together. I mostly base that on if the grow out pin is currently in use and what my work schedule looks like. I prefer to keep them together when I’m around to supervise. My rooster is super gentle and very protective of the little ones so he is a huge help when I’m not watching. I hope things work out for you.

 

[WingItRanch]

I’m sorry to hear about your chick. I have been fortunate enough that I don’t have any first hand experience with this situation. If you have the ability move the hen and chicks easily then that’s probably what I would do.

I have a grow out pin that shares a run with my main coop. Sometimes I separate momma and chicks sometimes I let everyone stay together. I mostly base that on if the grow out pin is currently in use and what my work schedule looks like. I prefer to keep them together when I’m around to supervise. My rooster is super gentle and very protective of the little ones so he is a huge help when I’m not watching. I hope things work out for you.

Thank you.

Right after I posted, I watched one of my hens charge the babies. Mama was able to protect them but I decided it was best to put them in the growout pen. Mama and 3 babies are safe in there now. Less stress for them and for me.

 

[Auntiejessi3]

I'm sorry about your little, but you did the right thing. I'm honestly surprised she hadn't taken them out yet, usually once my hens get them out of the nest they're outside with them within hours. I don't have any experience with this kind of situation either, but I think the grow out pen will be just fine for everyone right now.

 

[WingItRanch]

I'm sorry about your little, but you did the right thing. I'm honestly surprised she hadn't taken them out yet, usually once my hens get them out of the nest they're outside with them within hours. I don't have any experience with this kind of situation either, but I think the grow out pen will be just fine for everyone right now.

Yeah I'm thinking it was because she's so low in the pecking order. You know I've been worried about that since she went broody.

Good news is within an hour of settling into the mini coop, she brought the 3 down the stairs and is now in the run with them.