jeshen Posted May 31, 2012 Share Posted May 31, 2012 Lifted lid of Golda's broody box today, to be greeted by a beautiful tiny pekin chick leaning against her foster-mother for warmth, and cheeping away! Very Exciting! Later in the day I heard more cheeping from under Golda but don't want to disturb her. When is it ok to handle hatchlings? Is there the danger that Golda might then reject them? Should I dip its little beak in the water bowl? Have put chick crumbs and water (in a bowl with pebbles) in the box and left them to it all day. Golda hasn't emerged at all, so I've now shut them in for the night. Should I be more pro-active tomorrow and encourage Golda to leave the nest to eat/drink etc or should I continue to leave her alone. Would be grateful for advice. Oooh, this is fun! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Purplemaniacs Posted June 1, 2012 Share Posted June 1, 2012 How wonderful. Never hatched with a broody but I thought the mum would show the chicks how to eat and drink, we showed ours but they were hatched in the incy. Chrissie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kittyl Posted June 1, 2012 Share Posted June 1, 2012 So long as it doesnt upset mum, we carefully handle the chicks as soon as they're fluffed up - just to get a few pics, they grow so fast! Mum will bring them out when she's ready, she'll probably be very hungry. My b/brahma Spotty has been very protective with her eggs & the chicks at first, but I've spent so much time with her watching them that she trusts me now & doesnt mind if pick up the chicks. Mum should show them where to eat & drink, you'll hear her little "come & look at this" noises. Just watch to start with that they all follow, I have a poor little runt that doesnt understand & I have to help him (but thats another story) Dont forget to take lots of photos while they're still tiny! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
