jellykelly Posted May 27, 2010 Share Posted May 27, 2010 I have received conflicting advice with regards to what to do with new chicks once they hatch. I have been told (she was very convincing) that once my chicks hatch outside under my broody that I should take them indoors as they will not survive outside. I was arguing that the broody would keep them warm and look after them, after all thats what they do in the wild. Both of us thought we were right so we achieved nothing from our conversation - so could someone please clarify!! Obviously, if the broody kicks the chicks out (if any hatch) I will take them in and put them under heat - but if she does a good job what do I do?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chick-a-doodle-doo Posted May 27, 2010 Share Posted May 27, 2010 I would think you are right, but wait till someone who knows comes on. Good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted May 27, 2010 Share Posted May 27, 2010 You are right the broody will look after them It should go without saying that wherever they are the coop should be draught free and the run reasonably sheltered and covered in the rain but apart from that there are no special requirements at this time of year Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted May 27, 2010 Share Posted May 27, 2010 Broody hens have been raising their chicks outdoors for millenia! I would leave the broody to get on with to it. It is much easier for you if the broody does it, no mess indoors or faffing with an electric hen, and the chicks come on a lot faster. Occasionally there are casualties, but that is nature for you. Chicks raised in incubators occasionally don't make it either , so there are no guarantees either way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jellykelly Posted May 27, 2010 Author Share Posted May 27, 2010 Thankyou very much for clearing that up. I may well do a screen print and show the other lady these replies. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Griffin Posted May 27, 2010 Share Posted May 27, 2010 I've currently got three broodies with chicks, all hatched and raised outside. They're big, fat and healthy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chook n Boo Mum Posted May 27, 2010 Share Posted May 27, 2010 I have a broody outside in her & I have no intention of bringing them indoors ..I shall (hopefully ) have 6 chicks indoor in a fortnights time & don't particularly want any more in if I can help it Sha x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lewis Posted May 27, 2010 Share Posted May 27, 2010 I too would think she'd be better with the chicks Hilary my broody is in the with her chicks and they're fine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
karlotta Posted May 27, 2010 Share Posted May 27, 2010 I've got a pekin and her 6, 5 day old chicks outside in and they seem totally fine! They have a bit of a run about, a scratch, some food and a drink and then scuttle back under mum to warm up. It's the first time I've hached with a broody and I don't think i'll ever go back. I keep looking at my 10 nearly 4 week olds in the garage and wishing they had a real mum so they could be out in the sun! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
