[NormandyMary]

Hello everyone, I'm back!
Had such a surprise this afternoon, when I went to clean the chooks out. I had had two broodies sitting on 4 eggs each, though to be honest, I wasnt expecting anything. Well...suddenly a little head appeared out from under my light sussex, then another, then another two from the black rock. So now Im the very proud owner of 2 yellow and 2 ginger chicks. I legged it to the pet centre to get some chick food and an appropriate feeder and put a suitable water feeder down. They have all had a drink and a good feed, although they did try to eat their mum's food first.
On a sad note though, this evening, after a day of lethargy, my oldest and dearest hen Brownie passed away.
A tale of two emotions today I think.

Is there anything else I should be doing for the babes? They are still in the main hen house, as the mothers made their nests on the floor. They seem quite happy there.

Thanks,

Mary.

[joyfull]

so sorry to hear about your loss of Brownie 
but so very very pleased about your four little ones  , mums will know what to do with them, yeah, don't forget the photo's xx

[Vember]

Hi Mary

Sorry to hear about Brownie
But great news about the little ones

Only thing that would concern me is them being all together with the other adult hens, they could attack the babies


Sarah

[woodside farm]

I would move them to a seperate pen.

Michelle

[Hensington]

Good advice above, I have had older hens hurst chicks so I always move them into a seperate pen now.

[NormandyMary]

Aah well that's where the problem is, as I dont have a second henhouse. When I put them to bed tonight, the other two hens and Monty (the father) were well away from the brood. The mothers are very defensive. Ill just have to keep a very close eye on them and jump into action should the need arise. My henhouse is a 5 foot square cube, so there is plenty of room to keep them apart if necessary.