How to raise Backyard Chickens: Re: [CHICKENS-101] Mama hen and babies question

Thursday, June 30, 2011

Re: [CHICKENS-101] Mama hen and babies question

If she has left the nest with chicks, she is probably pretty sure that the remaining eggs won't hatch. The babies peep inside the eggs for a day or so before they hatch. When eggs have hatched and no more peeping comes from the remaining eggs, the mom will leave the nest with the babies to seek food. I would let her take care of the babies and discard the remaining eggs after checking to be sure that they show no signs of hatching, such as peeping or holes in the eggs.

kathy

In a message dated 6/30/2011 5:28:55 P.M. Central Daylight Time, susan7fleming@yahoo.com writes:

My black Serama hen came up on the back porch and made a nest in a bag of potting soil. Laid 6 eggs and has been setting on them very protectivly for almost 4 weeks. This morning I found one black chick under her and 5 unhatched eggs. This afternoon when I got home from running errands I found her on the porch floor with 2 chicks. I am thinking that I need to bring the hen, the 2 chicks and the nest into the house in a box or cage. Or should I bring in the chicks to the brooder and see if the hen will set on the remaining 4 eggs? What to do? These are the healthiest chicks I have ever seen! Advise please. Susan in Georgia

------------------------------------

To post a message to the list go to
CHICKENS-101@yahoogroups.comYahoo! Groups Links

<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CHICKENS-101/

<*> Your email settings:
Individual Email | Traditional

<*> To change settings online go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CHICKENS-101/join
(Yahoo! ID required)

<*> To change settings via email:
CHICKENS-101-digest@yahoogroups.com
CHICKENS-101-fullfeatured@yahoogroups.com

<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
CHICKENS-101-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/