HELP! my mother hen, just hatched her babies WHAT do I do now?

[dancinquilt]

This is a first for me, and I am not sure what is needed for the new mommy and babies. I fixed the living room side of the hen house, (the
open area) with straw and hay spread over the shavings on the floor to make it warm and cozy and then placed a couple of bales to section it off
into nesting areas. But, is is alright to have the other hens and rooster going to and fro in the hen house. They are free range and come and go
at will. They like to roost on and off during the day. My little mother seems especially on guard this morning and very vocal. Can anyone give me
advice? Thanks, Sherry

 

[CayuseRanch]

Sorry can't help, but posting in hopes that someone will see and help you.

 

[dancinquilt]

Thanks, I appreciate that.

 

[chics in the sun]

I had mine blocked off to herself, which is recomended due to the chicks sometimes being picked on by other hens. She does sound like she is protecting them, but I would keep a close eye on them and make sure the chicks are safe.

 

[mmaddie's mom]

Pretty much just sit back and enjoy... broody mommies are wonderful.
Provide water and chick starter for mom to show them what to do... she will.
Sounds like she is being protective... and she should be.
Just keep an eye on things for a few days but she should do all the work.
If things aren't ging well in the above areas or if you are just too nervous to leave them alone, then move them to a separate enclosed area... a large dog crate is what I always use or fence off a corner of the coop for them... just make sure food and water is available and fresh.
Have fun!

 

[arenea74]

I'd love to see pictures when you're able to post some. Sweet mommy protecting those little babies

 

[ginormous chicken]

Congrats! Pretty much nothing.... well almost nothing. You provide food, and start n' grow and keep them separate.. and that is it. That is the joy of broody hens, takes the work right out of your hands and into natures.

 

[TeamChaos]

I've got my first broodies now and one of them has her babies in the coop with the general population. She does an incredible job keeping the babies safe and the other chickens out of their space. I just have to be careful about giving treats, as the greedy big chickens will invade and raid all the baby snacks!

 

[goosemama]

i HAVE READ ITS REALLY IMPORTANT TO PUT mOM AND BABIES IN A PLACE BY THEMSELVES. THEY NEED TO BE TAUGHT HOW TO EAT AND DRINK BY HER WITHOUT INTERFERENCE FROM THE REST OF THE FLOCK WHO MAY PECK AND EVEN KILL THE BABIES. I HAVE A BIG METAL NESTBOX THAT SIT ALONG THE WALL OF THE COOP. I WAS GOING TO TURN IT AT A 90 DEGREE ANGLE AND MAKE A LITTLE ROOM FROM IT AND THE END OF THE COOP AND PEN MOM AND BABIES IN THE LITTLE AREA. GIVE THEM THEIR OWN FOOD AND WATER AS MOM MAY DRAG THEM THROUGH WET GRASS OR COLD CONDITIONS AND THEY COULD DIE. LEAVE THEM WITH HER FOR AT LEAST TWO WEEKS (MAYBE LONGER). HOPE THIS HELPS.

 

[definetlydeb]

I wish I could help...but mine are just lil buggers at the moment, here is a bump in hopes of some more input and I also have a question....if you do seperate them, is is hard to put the momma back in with flock later, does the pecking order have to be re-established, meaning, is she gonna get pecked when she returns? Just curious how that works and what you do???? "sherry ray"-Good luck with your momma and babies though!!!!