2 days to go - What happens next?

[Newtothis]

Hi

Well the hen that is broody has been sitting on the remaining 5 eggs for around 19 days now - so we reckon on 2 days to go.
She seems to have looked after herself OK so far but what happens when the chicks hatch?

I've bought some chick crumb so I will put that for them - does it go in the coop or outside in the run?
I was intending to leave the water in the run too - is that right?

I'm assuming that Myfanwy will teach her new family how to feed, drink, scratch etc.

When should I allow them to free range a bit - do they need to be at a certain stage of development?
I can fence off a little section of garden for them so they are still near the broody run/coop and not bothered by the other hens.

As always I'm probably thinking too much about this, and nature will take its course....

David

[RichmondHens]

First of all I assume they are in a covered coop/run? Do not be tempted to let them free range round the garden until they are at least 6 weeks old - they will be rat/cat/magpie fodder instantly. They can go out in the run as soon as mother hen deems they are able (mine are often outside on day two), she will lead them out. At this point you can clean out all the nesting area really thoroughly.

Chick crumb is fine, keep it under cover to stop it getting spoiled by rain and make sure the water dish is very shallow for the first few days to prevent either drowning or a chick getting stuck in the dish and chilled. The hen will teach them everything else they need to know.

[Newtothis]

Thanks RH
Yes the run is covered and the coop attached to one end. It's not huge though, but is secure so should keep all the nasties out.

I was going to use the same waterer that I've been using up to now. It's a white plastic one with a red base - the rim isn't very deep - about 1 cm - is that OK?

Do I need smaller grit than I've been giving the hen, or is the crumb OK on its own?

And lastly will the hen be OK with crumb too, or should I leave her mixed corn for her?

thanks

David

[vicky]

Mummy hen will be fine on crumb too. I put stones in my water dish in case any fall in too!