I have 3 very motherly bantam hens and 10 eggs ( they are sharing the responsibility). We're on day 17. I will be separating from flock after hatch. Should I keep all 3 hens with chicks? How much space should I allow for hens and chicks? Thanx for the help, Jill
Jill,This will be your decision. Some hens will savage the chicks trying to get them all--and sometimes hens will not be kind to one another and the chicks can be hurt in the scuffling. Setting and hatching are quite different modes for hens, suddenly they become protective when the chicks hatch, and their good sister becomes a threat. It is most dangerous for the chicks when they first hatch and can scarcely walk, want to sleep or be under the hen. They can't get out of the way if there is scuffling between the hens. One hen may be happy to hover the chicks, the other may be calling them out and scratching and showng them feed. And the chicks are caught in the middle--or out in the "cold" .You also will be lucky if the eggs hatch evenly, as even dear setting hens will have been sneaking the eggs back and forth, wanting them all for themselves and sometimes some of the eggs are not evenly incubating. This is just a sharing of experiences. I am far more cautious than when I first began with hen-hatches!!(a good many years ago!) I do not let setting hens share one nest any more--ever. Other hens may, indeed share raising the chicks--but I have never had it work out that way. So watch carefully when they hatch. It may be that just one hen should have them all as they hatch--you will simply have to decide=---and--size of your pen for them depends upon whether they are large fowl or bantams. You need to have an area that you can keep clean, food and water easy to service, but for a week or so, they only need a small space, as the hen will be hovering mostly, if she is a sweet one. Good Luck--such fun! CJR
Thank you Cjeanr for the thoughtful advice and info! The hens are small bantams, the eggs are a mix of large breed. I will try putting one hen with chicks, but like you say, I'll just have to use my judgement on this one. Thank you again, Jill
By Cjeanr on Tuesday, May 28, 2002 - 08:45 pm:
By Jill (Hennymom) on Wednesday, May 29, 2002 - 03:25 pm: