Bubbles26 Posted October 20, 2011 Share Posted October 20, 2011 Hi I am new to the forum although I have been reading the posts for some time and have learnt a great deal from the advice given. Now I would be grateful for some advice on my situation. I have a Maran hen who has been broody for what seems like forever, so decided that perhaps It would be a good idea to get some fertile eggs for her to sit on. I got the eggs from a lady who keeps chickens on a farm and who has agreed to rehome the cockrels. It did not occur to me that winter was coming and that it was possibly too cold to start hatching chicks. However, Winnie - my hen is sitting and the eggs are due to hatch in about 7 days time. I realise now that they will have to be kept in. I have a large wooden box with high sides measuring approximately 1 metre squared ready for them to go in. The box will have to go inside the house or a shed at the end of the garden. I am just wondering whether I should also get a heat lamp. Any other advice would be gratefully accepted. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted October 20, 2011 Share Posted October 20, 2011 The broody and chicks will be ok in that box in the shed for a week or so. then they can go out to a very sheltered coop and run and should be fine provided you shut the coop at night and its not drafty. In theory they would be fine in the coop from day 1 but I like to make sure chicks are eating and drinking and that mum is doing her job so would recommend the box in the shed for the hatching and first week (when they wont be going very far anyway) If you havent moved her to the box already then do so sooner rather than later, its best to do this at night so she settles back on the eggs. take the opportunity to check her over for mites and lice when you move her as you are unlikely to be able to get near her when the chicks are young Make sure the shed is ventilated and fox proof though There is no need to bring them in to the house or use a heat lamp provided the broody accepts the chicks and looks after them Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bubbles26 Posted October 20, 2011 Author Share Posted October 20, 2011 Thank you Redwing for your advice. I will get everything ready this weekend. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
