LilFinnGirl
Songster
Hello all, hatching day is TOMORROW and I am feeling slightly neurotic wanting to be prepared. Equal parts excited and nervous. Using this thread to document the experience for my own sanity.
Had one of my Buff Orpingtons go broody in February and I couldn’t break her of it, so got three adopted eggs for her to sit on. She has been a dedicated mama so far!
Now, preparing for the big day tomorrow! Should I take the day off work to be around to handle any emergencies (such as her rejecting them, squishing them, etc)?
Should I put up a divider to separate them from the rest of the flock? If so, how long should I keep them separated? It’s eight hens in a coop with enclosed run, I only let them out supervised free ranging on my lunch break, and for about an hour after work.
Does the whole flock need to go on chick crumbles (assuming not if separated) or would it be okay to hang their regular feed higher than the chicks could reach?
Should I keep the chicks in the coop only or allow them out in the run?
I am aware I am overthinking/worrying. Is there anything else I need to consider?
Thank you for your time!! Would love to hear your experiences!
Had one of my Buff Orpingtons go broody in February and I couldn’t break her of it, so got three adopted eggs for her to sit on. She has been a dedicated mama so far!
Now, preparing for the big day tomorrow! Should I take the day off work to be around to handle any emergencies (such as her rejecting them, squishing them, etc)?
Should I put up a divider to separate them from the rest of the flock? If so, how long should I keep them separated? It’s eight hens in a coop with enclosed run, I only let them out supervised free ranging on my lunch break, and for about an hour after work.
Does the whole flock need to go on chick crumbles (assuming not if separated) or would it be okay to hang their regular feed higher than the chicks could reach?
Should I keep the chicks in the coop only or allow them out in the run?
I am aware I am overthinking/worrying. Is there anything else I need to consider?
Thank you for your time!! Would love to hear your experiences!