Update on Welsummers

[MaureenHall]

That's great news RH. Any update on yours Minskey?

[minskey]

Hi The one that was pipping hatched yesterday eve & is a pretty little thing with a definate stripe down the back so hope she is a hen, bit of a worry as nothing from the other 5 eggs, day 22 is to day. I candled them yesterday & they are dark without light 'glowing' through so I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
A question though; will the chick that has hatched be ok? The broody, chick & 5 eggs are inside in a large cardboard box where it is cool & quiet as I was worried with this heat. I have feed & water in the box, but am worried the chick will not be cared for as the broody is still sitting tight [& angry] on her eggs, chick is under her as well.

[RichmondHens]

The hen will stay on the eggs until any more hatch, or she decides enough is enough and nothing is happening. As long as food and water is close by they will be fine. She will encourage the hatchling to feed while still sitting on the eggs. Have you sprayed the eggs with water? As she is in a box they will need a bit of dampening. If you don't have a spray then flick drops of tepid water all over them (like a rain shower). Mind you, if it is day 22 then doesn't look hopeful. Have you picked them up and had a listen? If there is a chick ready to come you will hear tapping/faint cheeping.

Make sure the box IS big enough for the hen to move off the eggs when she has had enough as once she decides, their instinct is to move away from the nest site - mine like to go out and sit on the grass. That's when I clear away all the nesting material.

[minskey]

no, no cheeping. The box is just under a metre in length. The chick popped out this morning & the hen was clucking away at her. I did damp the eggs on the 19th day but not since. Shame if only one chick hatches, won't have any mates.

[RichmondHens]

Hey, you are not that far from me (just noticed your location). I've just discovered more chicks - see my separate thread!

[minskey]

I'm 6 miles south of Boston.

Sorry I know I'm probably being really dense but I can't find your other thread.......... help !

[julesapple]

I'm 6 miles south of Boston.

Sorry I know I'm probably being really dense but I can't find your other thread.......... help !

http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...tml#post489244

There you go. Fingers crossed for at least one more chick to keep your wee one company!

Jules

[RichmondHens]

Minsk - I'm a bit further over, in North Norfolk (near Holt/Sheringham). Don't think I would separate chicks from mum at this stage (and your single one will be fine on her own) but happy to part with some when they are 6 weeks.

[minskey]

What a fab thread, really made me smile

Right update; I have been given a chick which hatched on the the same day as mine from a friend who has homed my two banty hens & cockeral. her hen was trying to kill it, swinging it around by a wing while running around the pen. I have popped it under my hen along with the c/c welbar chick & she seems to have accepted it, tucked it back under when it popped out, so fingers crossed.

I would like a couple of Welsumer pullets though [not for free I hasten to add] if I can persuade my OH

[minskey]

Oh! forgot to say thay I have removed the 5 c/c legbar eggs, I opened them up & they just contained smelly gunge.