JillM Posted May 6, 2011 Share Posted May 6, 2011 Hi, 8 eggs under my broody, now at least 4 of them have hatched, and 3 or 4 still to go. Should I leave Mum there for the time being? How old should the chicks be (1 day old so far) before Mum goes for a 'rest break'? Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
atsw Posted May 6, 2011 Share Posted May 6, 2011 Just leave her there. Instinct will tell her when it's time to get up. The chicks that have hatched don't actually need to eat for 48hrs, the yoke sack will provide sustenance during that time. At some point, Mum will abandon any unhatched eggs and will concentrate her efforts instead on the newly hatched chicks. If she has been sat still on her eggs without many/any breaks since the start of the incubation, expect her to be a little 'wobbly' on her own feet for a day or so. My broody looked decidedly 'clumsy' the first day she was up-and-about, she even trod on her new chicks a few times . She's fine now, and so are the chicks. Andrew Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JillM Posted May 6, 2011 Author Share Posted May 6, 2011 Some of the chicks are already trying the chick crumb and the water, and Mum is getting her appetite back too (enjoyed her broccoli this morning). But poos are beginning to happen in there and while I try and pick out what I can see the smell is gathering! Btw Andrew, what would we do without you to answer our questions? Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
