Yes! A hatch! Now what do I do?

[urbanfarmer101]

First time hatcher here. (broody style) I read that it is a couple of days before the chicks need to drink or eat. Here is my delima. My hen is nesting in her box about 6 inches off of the floor. It is too small to add a feeder/waterer. So far, only one of 4 eggs has hatched.
I have made a cardboard door across the opening of the nesting box becasue the other hens were far to nosey and wouldn't leave mama alone. If she wants out, she can push it over. I also did it to keep any wayward chicks inside.

Question #1: Do I move her and the chick and eggs now or wait a day or two then move them all to a safer area?

Question #2: I have 10 other baby chicks from the farm store. All healthy and are about 2 weeks old. Can I put mamma and her new babies with the other babies? It really is a matter of space and feeder shortages.

 

[panner123]

If you really need to move her wait until all the eggs hatch. The chicks will not have a problem getting out, getting back in the nest will be. Just add a little ramp for them tto climb up.. Mama will teach them how or you might need to show them the first couple of times. They will take it from there. If at all possovle I would keep the chicks apart. Mama hen may not take to the other chicks. Don't worry about the other hens, mama will keep them away from the chicks. You will learn what is meant by, mad as a wet chicken. If you are short on feeders, just go to the thrift store and get a couple of cake pans. Use then for the chicks.

 

[kathyinmo]

I don't know if the mama will take to the 2 week old chicks. She will be busy taking care of her babies, and may try to kill the others. Now, sometimes broodies will take others, but I don't know about the 2 week difference.

Leave mama in the nest. She will take care of things. Only 6 inches off the floor .... they should be fine.

 

[urbanfarmer101]

Thanks! I am on my way to chicken utopia!

I was just worried they would get out and not get back in. I do have an aggressive polish crested hen and a Hamburg roo...just wasnt' sure they would play nice.