Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Celeste on July 18, 2010 at 5:59pm

I always let my hens take care of the babies. Makes for babies that learn what a chicken should learn. In fact, at the moment I have a banty Cochin momma taking care of 45 meaties and 6 layer babies. She's, uh, rather busy all day. Just make sure that they have a place to sleep at night that's secure for the three of them and that food and water are at baby level. Momma will take care of the rest if she's any good at all, which she should be.

Permalink Reply by Linnea Hendrickson on July 18, 2010 at 6:15pm

Thanks, Celeste! The hen and babies are in the coop where the others go to feed -- they tend to sleep outside on tree branches inside the pen. Is it O.K. to leave them all together? I put in the chick water feeder and can go get starter in the morning. Should I try to put a barrier between the mother and chicks and the other chickens? They all get along well, and the hens and two roosters are out of the pen most of the day, running in the yard.

Permalink Reply by Celeste on July 18, 2010 at 8:43pm

I would leave the babies with the birds if no one is picking on them. They'll do better as part of the flock.

Permalink Reply by Linnea Hendrickson on July 18, 2010 at 10:05pm

Thank you Celeste! I just went out to check on them and the hen is sitting on the eggs again, and I'm hoping the chicks are under her, too. I'll look again in the morning. The others are all in their usual roosting spots in the tree.

Permalink Reply by Emma Lee Clarke on July 19, 2010 at 12:27pm

Hi Linnea!!
We got very young chicks this spring from some friends and we gave them started feed right away!! They love it. Bummer there is not a hen to hatch the other eggs. Congratulation on the hatchlings, and we love love the plums Angela gave us from your tree too! Yum and thanks! Best, Em n Sam

Permalink Reply by Linnea Hendrickson on July 19, 2010 at 1:38pm

Hi Em and Sam,

Thanks! The little chicks looked fine this morning. Hen back on the eggs with the little ones tucked underneath. I've gotten them starter and put water next to them, too. Who knows what tomorrow will bring! I don't want to disturb them too much as the mama hen gets pretty excited. Thinking about you and Sam and your hatchling, too, and wishing all the best for all of you. Linnea