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Broody hen has let 4 of her 6 day old chicks die!!!

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Broody hen has let 4 of her 6 day old chicks die!!!

Wed 7-Apr-10
10:54 pm

tills

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I don't know what to do!! she has let 4 die so far, she is not "clucking" to encourage them to eat or drink. I have now removed the remaining 2 and have been trying to feed them and drop water into their beaks. They are in a box on the top of the Rayburn with a light over them (I hope this is sufficient for them).

Does anyone know what I can do, or why she might have let them all die.

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Wed 7-Apr-10
11:09 pm

danast

Argyll, Scotland

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Oh that is so sad. I have not had this problem. You do not say if the hen has had successful clutches before. Were you keeping her on her own?

I just hope you can keep the two chicks alive. My hens are usually quite good mothers, but it doesn't stop me losing some.

Welcome to the site. I hope someone else can help you. Usually one of us an answer. Please let us know how the wee ones do.

Old teachers never die, they just lose their class

Wed 7-Apr-10
11:28 pm

tills

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Thanks for your reply.

Last year, we had 3 broodies all at once, they got very confused and therefore only 1 out of 10 hatched, but he was very strong straight away and needed little assistance.

To start with we left this hen with the others, but then the Cockeral seemed to get upset with her everytime she left the eggs for food and water, so we moved her into her own little house in an old stable, where she sat happily waiting for them to hatch, but then as they hatched one by one, they died, which I am assuming is because they were not getting any food or water - she must have been eating it herself everytime I replenished the pot and the area around the nest!!!

I will let you know how I get on. I must admit, I am not looking forward to going to bed and leaving them alone!!! - will be a long night I fear.

Thanks again.

Wed 7-Apr-10
11:38 pm

danast

Argyll, Scotland

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They don't normally need much food for about 24 hours as they are still absorbing the last of the yolk. This gives the rest time to hatch without the hen abandoning the nest.

If you go onto http://www.ehow.com/how_5788_raise-baby-chicks.html it tells you all the details of how to raise the chicks on your own.

Old teachers never die, they just lose their class

Thu 8-Apr-10
11:36 am

Toffeeapple

North Bucks

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What a sad state of affairs, I hope you manage to raise the last two little ones. Do let us know how you get on, won't you.

OH, a very warm welcome to you as well. Wine

I'll try that again!

Thu 8-Apr-10
7:54 pm

tills

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hi, thanks for your kind messages.

Unfortunately we lost them both last night/early this morning. I feel so sad and angry that I was not able to save them!!

We now have the unfortunate task of re-introducing her to the others - just the sight of her is sending the cockeral into a frenzy!!!

I will try the site you recommend for next time (if i dare do it again!!!)

Thanks also for your welcomes.

Thu 8-Apr-10
9:01 pm

danast

Argyll, Scotland

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Oh I am so sorry, but although it sounds cruel, this is the price we pay for having creatures in our care. We can only do our best, look after them and trust nature. It's always sad to lose them though. You did all you could, you just couldn't do the hen's work for her. Don't give up. I'm sure you will have better luck next time.

Old teachers never die, they just lose their class

Fri 9-Apr-10
7:14 am

JoannaS

Latvia

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Big_Hug oh dear such a shame Tills, not a happy start. I also hope you have better luck next time.

Blog: thejourneytosomewhere.blogspot.com

Fri 9-Apr-10
11:07 am

Toffeeapple

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Too sad.

I'll try that again!

Mon 3-May-10
8:16 am

Danny

Scarborough, England

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I guess that not all female creatures make great mothers, just like the human equivalent. Some are excellent and other leave a little to be desired. That's nature.

We were lucky with our bantam Mrs Boss who reared clutches of chicks and ducks. It was amazing watching her teach the fluff balls how to peck for food, and drink. She eventually lost patience when the ducks were big enough to start swimming and flooded the little maternity run! Doh

Never knowingly underfed

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