Chicken bald back

[Chickabee]

The moorhen on our pond has left her nest. We disturbed her unfortunately. They've been left for about a day. I have a broody. Would it be possible to try to hatch them under her

[sjp]

in theory yes chickens will hatch ducks but it might be hit and miss if they hatch after been left 24hrs especially if it's early in the incubation period as that's the most venerable time but I'd be tempted to try it

[Chickabee]

I've done it. Will let you know if anything happens. Have looked up incubation period. It's the same as chickens. Now just have to wait and see.

[jimnpaula]

I would just like to add that moorhens have a delayed hatching technique where they hatch some eggs and raise those chicks, then incubate a few more eggs and raise them with the help of their older siblings - so possibly the nest hadn't been abandoned after all.

Ah well, it's done now, be interested to see how it goes.

 

Edit: Ok, I'm a bit wrong with the above info, the chicks tend to hatch out over a few days so the parents go off feeding the early chicks and the later hatching eggs get incubated less so develop more slowly.

http://www.moorhen.me.uk/mhennst.htm

[Chickabee]

Yes I read this too. Unfortunately it's our fault that the nest was abandoned as we've been messing around with the pond trying to clean it out. This is the second time this has happened, but didn't find any eggs last time. I also read that they are very determined and will immediately make a nest elsewhere. We did keep a careful eye out for the parent (apparently dad incubates) however he did not return

[jimnpaula]

Well at least they'll have a chance then

[Chickabee]

Well in about 1 week I should know if my experiment has been successful. Tried to candle the eggs today, but you can't see through them at all.

 

As the chicks will be very tiny I need to make a new home for broody and babes. I thought about a very large plastic container. I would put asshallow dish of water with baking beans in, and hopefully they will eat chick crumb. Once they are big enough I can make them an outside run covered with fine chicken mesh.

 

Any thoughts or ideas would be gratefully received

[Cat tails]

No experience what soever, but did find this site, looks interesting! click!

[Chickabee]

Thanks cat tails, that's really interesting

[Chickabee]

2 eggs have hatched and all the others are hatching

[Egluntyne]

What will happen about introductions to water? Also food? Will chick crumbs be suitable?

[Chickabee]

Feeding them mashed boiled egg at mo. They're not that hungry yet. Then I've got some Waxworms. They can eat chick crumb. They will have a small cat litter tray in their run for practice swimming then a bigger one. They can fly at 6 weeks. Thanks to cat tails for the info

[Cat tails]

Wow that's great news!

Good luck with the wild doodles!

[sjp]

how many days should they take to incubate and how many day did these take?

[jimnpaula]

2 eggs have hatched and all the others are hatching

Yay photos?

[Chickabee]

I'll try tomorrow. Mummy is very protective