[jameslindsay]

A few weeks ago one of my Isa Warrens went broody - 2 weeks after my cockerel was re homed. So, a friend kindly gave me 6 eggs for her to sit on. However, she is sitting in one of the 3 nest boxes and today 1 has already hatched.

So, here come the questions;

Do I move them now or wait until more have hatched? If I don't move are they not open for rats etc?

If I don't move them will they be safe when the others go to bed tonight?

How do I feed chicks if still in a next box?

I think moving them would be for the best as I could make them secure and ensure they get food and water. However, don't want to move at this stage incase it spoils any more from hatching.

Please help??? Thanks

[doganjo]

Can you move the whole nest box with her in it James?  Maybe even take it inside?  Not sure if that's possible in a hotel?  The others shouldn't be long in hatching but it would be a shame to lose them, and very much at risk in early stages..

[jameslindsay]

No Annie I can't. I have just got a cardboard box, cut the front off it and am going to lift mum, chick and eggs in to it once I have filled it with straw. I am then going to move them inside so I know they are safe and sound.  I am hoping that I do not scare her during this process but think so long as she sees her baby and her eggs she will stay calm.

[jameslindsay]

Just moved them all and she is sitting calmly. I take it I am ok giving her and the chick a pile of straw?

[doganjo]

That's what I have always used, James but I know some people say it's a good harbour for mites.  I'm not sure about shavings as they give off dust.  How about newspapers?

[jameslindsay]

I was just thinking of keeping them warm.

[woodlandproductsfife]

good good James glad hter ok!

 Craig

[jameslindsay]

Chick number 2 has now appeared and all doing well.

[Roxy]

Pleased your hen has been ok during her move!!  Mine can be really difficult, and are determined that only where they have chosen to sit will do.

I don't use shavings with small chicks, as they do start pecking for food, and could easily choke on shavings, so straw is better. Although, all my hens scrape out whatever it is, hay or straw, and make the chicks sit on the bare floor for some reason.

Fingers crossed for a successful hatch. 

[egglady]

are these the silkies? 

[dizzy1pig]

mixed batch of eggs.. it will be a surprise...
i got 2 more today
if they are the same i reckon they are lavender araucana

[jameslindsay]

Both chicks look the same, I see egg number 3 is now started pipping.

[woodlandproductsfife]

woooohoooo come onnnnnnnn!

[doganjo]

Can someone please remind me when I need to put water in the incubator for my duck eggs.  I think they are due to hatch on the 3rd(Tuesday), so do I stop the rocking tomorrow and add the water at the same time?

[jameslindsay]

Annie I never add water, I was told in Scotland it is not necessary.