[Gary Collier]

Hi all,
New to posting on this forum.
I've got a Rhode rock and Redco Black Tail which I have had since August (B'day present from wife), about 4 weeks ago the Redco became broody so I set about getting some ferilised eggs under her.

I got the eggs locally (I'm Bristol based) and the hen has sat on them patiently for the last 3 weeks.  Tonight she has been on them for exactly 21 days so I hav emy fingers crossed that they will hatch.
One egg seems to have a crack in it coming from the inside, so maybe there is a chick on the way out...

In the meantime I have converted an old rabbit hutch into a house for the other bird so that the broody hen and the chicks can have the main coupe for themselves.
I've put into the broody hens coupe a feeder with chick crumb and a water holder.  However I'm now wondering if I should have moved the broody bird and the eggs into the converted hutch as this is closer to the floor?  The main house is on stilts with a built around run.

shall I keep the arrangement as is (kind of stuck now), maybe keep the door shut so the chicks don't fall down the ladder/slope?

Also - what do i need to do when the chicks arrive (if they ever do)?  Will mother keep them warm enough or should I look at putting in a heat lamp.
I was thinking of just using a suitabley reflected standard bulb holder via an extension lead.  Would a ceramic bulb be available from a reptile house or are these too hot?

Questions Questions Questions............can't wait to get home and see if any eggs have hatched, and how the other hen is taking to her new house.

Cheers,
Gary

[joyfull]

Congratulations on becoming a foster dad  .
Earlier this year I had a broody raise chicks in a raised house, when she was ready to bring them out I just helped them up and down for about a week and after that they managed it by themselves. Mum will keep them warm so don't worry about a heat lamp (although just keep a check on them in case she rejects any - highly unlikely but you never know). It will be a few days before they venture out as she will stay on the remaining eggs until she is sure no more will hatch.

[IMOmimey]

I agree with all that,, tough I would keep the door closed for a bit, to save accidents. Also, make sure  the water is really shallow (I fill the base with marbles) as chix have been known to drown in their own waterers

Do consider that mummy choox know what to do by instinct, but that we are here if you need us.

I usually keep a cardboard box, with a reading lamp all set up in the house in case of emergencies, especially with a first time broodies.

and CONGRATULATIONS!!! Piccies please..and you didnt say what breed your eggies are.  Keep us posted on progress...

                                                          'Mimey

[Gary Collier]

 
I've just been out to check on her and noticed she was flatter than usual, lifted a wing and there was the first chook!

Couldn't resist a peek but will try and leave her to it as much as I can now.....hope I haven't upset the process?

The eggs came from a mixed flock of Silkies, Marans and Buffs so its a bit of pot luck I guess as to what they will be!

BRILLIANT !

I'll get the camera charged up and see if I can take some pics when they come out from under mum.

[IMOmimey]

 
YIPPEEEE

[Foxy]

awww! cant wait for piccies

[birmancats]

Oo exciting  -  looking foward to their first photo's

[Rubellite]

Hurry up with the photos, we've all been chick starved for weeks 

[Poolfield2]

Welcome to forum and what a way to start, babies, we love babies

[Gary Collier]

Mums still sat tight waiting for more to hatch.
How long will she sit on the eggs, or more to the point how long before they could still hatch.
I was planning on leaving them under her until she moves away from them......?

Can't get to the chicks to get a picture at the moment as mum seems to be keeping them firmly under her wing at the moment.

I'll try and get a picture during the day on Sat so I don't dazzle the birds with a flash!

Can't wait 'till there all out and about in the coupe.