Will my hen get off her chicks?

[chikinmama]

My hen is crazy broody right now with eggs underneath her ready to hatch any day now. However, with 2+ feet of snow on the ground, will she get off her chicks when they hatch? I could have sworn I heard a chirp in there this evening but when I try to coax her out of her nest she just looks at me like dinner hahaha. Just wondering since its our first time with a hen actually sitting. Thx in advance guys!

 

[HorseFeatherz NV]

My broodies generally leave the nest on day 3 - some as early as day 2 - but generally day 3 after they think their eggs are done hatching.

I do offer a small dish of water and crumbles for the mom - she will see to it that the chicks drink/eat. Make sure the chicks do not drown in the water - you can add some small stones/rocks.

Broodies are wonderful

 

[NonnasBabies]

I can just tell you from my one experience that we just did. She hatched 2 Fri, 5 Sat & 2 Sun and what was left she consumed Mon! Yeah I know

But she is such a wonderful mother!!

I guess I should also add that mine still totally cares for her chicks and she doesn't go far when she gets up to move around. They just zoop under her if they get cold!! Cutest thing ever to watch them!!

 

[chikinmama]

thx for all the info. one more question, with the weather being so cold, do the chicks need to come inside or should i leave them with their mother? its only the beginning of the winter...

 

[magicpigeon]

Maybe you should move them somewhere more..insulated. I'm getting my first hatch from my partridge silkie in a few days so I'm really excited

Good luck!!!

 

[chikinmama]

Thanks, you too! Make sure you post pics!!!

 

[Toril]

I would absolutely leave them with the mother, but make sure they are in a well protected (from draft) space. She will keep them warm. I would make food and drink easily accessible to her and the babies, she will take care of them much better than you can - no offense!

 

[Chickie'sMoma]

i would move the eggs first and then move moma and let her see the eggs where you moved them to. i have been using an over-sized dog crate that she has room to get up and do any business without making a mess on the eggs. keep food at the opposite end from where the eggs are being nested so it forces her to get up and away from the eggs to do her poop! (btw, if she is going to be in the house during this time be prepared for very smelly and HUGE poop!) you can cut down on the smell some by giving cracked corn only as her feed. you can also use a large cardboard box if you don't have a dog crate.

i just moved a broody into my basement so any hatched chicks will be warmer in case this 1st time moma decides she doesn't want to stay with them for long. she should be hatching any day now if she has been properly doing her job!

i have heard that sometimes the chicks may wander from mom and not make it back under her in time to warm back up, so i try to lessen the possibility that i would lose a chick to the cold.

good luck with your hatch!