The Pearsons Posted September 21, 2007 Share Posted September 21, 2007 (edited) It says in the books and on all the hen forums that I should keep my chicks (and Mama hen) away from the big girls for 8 or 12 or more weeks. Well my chicks were 3 weeks hatched last Tuesday and they dug their way out of the maternity wing aided by the big girls and Mama. I spent two day filling in the holes they dug and surrounding the unit with slabs and...... anyway as soon as I had one escape route blocked they had made another so I gave up and let them range together. They did sleep in their own place with Mama on Tuesday though.... On Wednesday Mama decided to sleep in the nesting place in the cube and shouted and shouted for the chicks to join her. The pale chick was fine and got up but the darker chick wasn't able to make it up the ladder so I caught it and pooped it in. Thurday night both chicks were in the cube with the big girls. I have just left them to it and all seems to be fine. I spoke with my friend at the smallholding and she says that when her top chooks have small chicks they do exactly the same and the chicks do seem to survive and thrive - eventually becoming very high in the pecking order themselves. Helen in Hume Let's just hope that things continue as they are. Edited September 21, 2007 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
feemcg Posted September 21, 2007 Share Posted September 21, 2007 I think as long as Mama is still looking after the wee ones they should be fine - its a bit early for her to lose interest. That would be lovely seeing them snuggled up in the cube nest box Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Pearsons Posted September 21, 2007 Author Share Posted September 21, 2007 Well I had no intention of hatching chicks at all but when Toast went broody and I was offered the eggs from a farm (they run a rooster so the equipmet was in place so to speak) it seemed like a good idea..... Of the six eggs three hatched and two of the chicks survived. The smallest and weakest chick was ignored by Mama I'm afraid. Nature is red in tooth and claw as they say..... Helen in Hume Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Krysia Posted September 22, 2007 Share Posted September 22, 2007 Just wondering how they are doing today and how big are they at 3 weeks? Thats very impressive getting into a Cube already. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Pearsons Posted September 24, 2007 Author Share Posted September 24, 2007 They will be 4 weks hatched tomorrow and are getting BIG. I was going to take photos but with the rain I don't thinkI'll be doing it today..... maybe tomorrow as I want photos of my new ladies as well. Helen in Hume Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Pearsons Posted September 24, 2007 Author Share Posted September 24, 2007 I hope this link works to the newest photos of the chicks (and the new hens) http://www.flickr.com/photos/10674636@N04/ Helen in Hume[/url] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
