sounds like they might be coming...

[knat]

got a broody hen sitting on 3 eggs and tonight we could hear something from the eggs afte rbeing convinced they weren't going to hatch it might be that they are!!!!!

What do we do when they are hatched? They arein their own separate brooder with mother hen and a very small run. I'm assuming that feeders and drinkers go in the run . What about bedding? Should it only be a certain depth and someone said you should cover the bedding as the chicks will try to eat it???? any help and advice would be great. Thanks Nat

My Silkie hatched three eggs from Ebay earlier this summer. She lived in the ark with them at night (I used deep wood shavings for bedding) while the other hens (only 3 of these) lived in a temporary home. When she was ready, (3rd day) she came out of the ark and free ranged with all the other hens. The other hens were interested but she was very protective, so everything went well. The advantage of this was that she and the other hens have not had to reestablish pecking order at all.

So, put the water drinker and food in the brooder, leaving enough space for her to sit the chicks. If no room, in the run. Allow the other hens to see them in the run, and let her out (supervised) when she's ready. Any trouble, restrict them again. Put chick crumbs in the feeder and keep them on chick crumbs for about 6 weeks. Doesn't matter if they eat insects/grass etc as well, but they need chick crumbs to ensure growth.

Don't touch the chicks until they are fluffy and dry, no matter how tempting. If you offer the mother crumbs on your hand, the mother will call them to see the food and they may feed from and on your hand, which is a good way to start taming them.

It's really easy - so enjoy!!!

hi just thought I'd let you know have had 2 chicks hatch today out of the 3 eggs - really suprrised and pleased with that. Put water and feed in the brooder and they have been having both and have also been out in their little run with mum this afternoon , enjoying the sunshine.

Well done Knat! I have 18 chicks in a brooder atm the moment. They're dear little things. Just be careful with the drinker -they occasionally get in and drown - if you're worried put marbles in it. I keep my chicks separate from my other chickens until they are about 12 weeks - they need to be big enough to deal with any trouble from the others.

thanks. They seem to be doing ok and i put stones in teh drinker becqause I'd heard about the possibility of drowning. They're in a run attached to the other chickens so they can all see each other which I hope will help when it does come time to put themin with the others!!! Mummy hen's doing a good joba nd is very protective.