Hens and chicks - help needed
mjwillsey (zone 6b)
last month
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mjwillsey (zone 6b)
last monthRelated Discussions
help with hens and chicks in shallow dish.
Comments (1)This is normal, mine do the same every year. Though we are not in the same zone, we are not that far off. I leave mine outside all year in pots (some shallow) and MOST of the time I do not have a problem....See MoreWill the mom hen do everything needed for new chicks?
Comments (2)I will echo the above but also suggest that you move her to a part of the coop where the other chickens can't get to the chicks. Last spring I hatched out a bunch and didn't realize how close I was to hatch time until I went to collect eggs and found a dead baby on the floor. They will move around and get out of the nest box. Momma took care of everything after I moved the rest of her eggs and her to an area where they wouldn't be bothered by the others. Of course feed and water but it seems you have that covered. Good luck, they are SOOOO cute when they hatch like that! Lori...See Moreadding 2 chicks to hen with 2 chicks
Comments (4)There are two methods that MAY work... although they are risky with that much difference in age between the chicks. Still, I successfully added a couple of chicks that were about five days younger than the others using what I like to call the "two for one" method. A kid thought this one up and his mother posted it on the forum a long time ago. One bright kid! Put the two orphaned chicks in a bucket (not a clear one) or similar container. Kidnap the hen's current babies and add them to the bucket. (A butterfly net works great for catching them.) The stolen chicks will set up a frantic peeping once they cannot see Mama... and Mama will fuss and scold and generally work herself up into a tizzy. The more upset she is, the better. When you get to the point when it looks like Mama's eyeballs will pop out of her head, lower the bucket and let out all four chicks. Typically Mama will be confused and know something is different, but will not be able to figure out what, since hens cannot count. And she is so relieved to have her babies back that she doesn't much care and accepts them all. But be ready to pull the younger chicks out if she starts hurting them. I've done this a few times and never had it fail. Hens are birdbrains. I THINK they can tell the difference between "one" and "more than one"... but not the difference between two and three or four. The more the chicks look alike, the better chance of success. The other method is the tried and true "wait until dark" method. You simply sneak them under her with her own when she is asleep and she assumes they are all hers when she wakes up. If it doesn't work, however, she may harm or kill the newcomers unless you are on the spot early to check on them. Forget the Vicks or other scent confusers. Chickens don't use scent to identify their young. They rely on sound and sight and situation. "They are under my wings so they must be mine." Good luck! And please post an update so we know how it turns out!...See MoreNeed source for hens and chicks
Comments (1)Hi, I've just got one new souce; the cheap ever: 99c store. They have cacti and succulent for 99c and couple days ago I found a box of hens & chicks. I grabbed a couple. Good luck. meli...See Moremjwillsey (zone 6b)
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