So one of my Wyandottes, despite my best efforts, has decided it's time to hatch some eggs. However, I no longer have a set up for a separate place for her and so just let her stay in a nesting box. She has 7 eggs and they are set to hatch in two weeks. But the nests in my coop are about 30 inches off the ground - should I be concerned for the chicks' safety once they hatch? Or will she keep them there until all r hatched? I would prefer not to mess with her unless absolutely necessary (she abandoned last time I did that to her), but dont want them to fall to their deaths! The ground is six inches of straw.
What should I do? Anything? Of course, I realize that once hatched, I should move them and mom all to a corner on the floor, as otherwise they can't get to food. But should I just see what happens for the first 48 hrs or so while they r hatching?
I'm thinking i should at least take out the partition between her nest and the next to allow for more movement??
What should I do? Anything? Of course, I realize that once hatched, I should move them and mom all to a corner on the floor, as otherwise they can't get to food. But should I just see what happens for the first 48 hrs or so while they r hatching?
I'm thinking i should at least take out the partition between her nest and the next to allow for more movement??