[Bengal]

Hi, I've just ordered some Norfolk grey eggs for hatching to put under my mega broodie black rock. What do I have to do once they've hatched, I understand I just leave the broodie to let her get on with it. Do they need special food and what about worming? Many thanks.

[Casey76]

You will need chick crumb and for the first few days a couple of saucers, one for water (add marbles or small pebbles so the chick can't fall in the water and drown or catch a chill) and one for the crumb.

You may want to get a chick feeder and chick waterer once the checks are a little older.

Make sure your broody is in a separate coop (with a small pen) from your other hens, as the others may a) disturb her brooding and b) kill the chicks when they hatch.

Once hatched, the chicks will need to remain separate from the rest of the flock (with mum) until they are big enough to handle themselves - usually about 5 or 6 weeks - so make sure the broody coop and pen will be big enough for all the chicks once they are about half adult size.