 |
Broad Leys Publishing - Poultry and Smallholding Books
|
The Bookshop
Bookshop Home Poultry Books Smallholding Books Livestock BooksAbout Us Poultry Articles Poultry Helpline Contact Us
Organisations
PoultryLivestockSmallholdingAgricultural CollegesPoultry SuppliersPigs, Sheep CattleAlpacas & LlamasBees etcPoultry HousingAnimal EquipmentTractors etcDairy & FoodHort SuppliersSmallholder
Rearing Chicks
The Broody Hen
Brooders |
 |
If a broody hen hatched the chicks she will continue to look after them until they are 5-6 weeks old. By this time they will be feathered, hardy and independent. The hen provides the warmth for her chicks and indeed it is one of the most touching sights in Nature, to see how she covers them with her feathers.
Sometimes it is possible to hatch eggs in an incubator and then use a broody hen to look after the chicks. The hen will need to have been sitting on some eggs for around 19 days before you can introduce the chicks to her. Even then, it must be done carefully. Put your hand under the hen and remove an egg, then replace it with a chick. If she responds to its cheeping and shuffles herself over it, the chances are that it has been accepted. Repeat the process with the remaining chicks. Keep a careful watch on the hen in case she rejects them.
Hen and Chicks
Copyright © Katie Thear 2005
It is important that the hen and nest have been checked previously to ensure that they are clean and free of external parasites, and that the nest is in a protected position.
Small broody houses with attached runs are available for a hen and chicks, but it is important to move the unit frequently so that the family is always on clean ground.
If they are free ranging, the hen will take them to sleep at night but it is important to provide protection against predators such as rats or foxes.
Copyright © Katie Thear 2005