Mother Hen Care: Tips For Newly Hatched Chicks

Mother hens are known to be extremely protective of their chicks and will keep a close eye on them to prevent other hens from getting too close. While hatching, mother hens handle all the details from humidity to temperature and egg-turning. After hatching, the mother hen will take her chicks for their first walk, showing them how to eat and drink. For the first two to three days, it is advisable to keep the mother hen and her chicks in a separate area, such as a big dog cage or a small coop, before letting them integrate with the rest of the flock.

Keep the mother hen and her chicks in a separate area for the first few days

Keeping the mother hen and her chicks in a separate area for the first few days is a recommended practice. This protective measure ensures the safety and well-being of both the mother and her newly hatched chicks. Here are some detailed instructions for doing so:

First, prepare a separate space for them, such as a large dog cage or a small coop, ensuring it is comfortable and well-ventilated. This space should be large enough for the mother hen to move around freely while also providing a sense of security for the chicks. Place nesting materials such as newspaper and kitchen towels on the floor of the enclosure for the first few days, and then switch to using pine shavings. It is important to maintain hygiene and regularly clean this area to prevent the buildup of soiled or dirty nests, which can pose health risks.

Next, provide the mother hen and her chicks with easy access to food and water. Place the chick feed and waterer close enough so that the mother hen doesn't have to venture too far, allowing her to feed and hydrate herself while keeping the chicks warm. You can also offer treats to the chicks, such as oyster shells for extra calcium, but only when they are older. Remember, chicks do not need food or water for the first couple of days as they derive nourishment from the egg yolk, which is absorbed before hatching.

Additionally, create a calm and quiet environment for the mother hen and her chicks. The mother hen will naturally be protective and attentive, so minimizing external disturbances will help reduce stress and promote bonding. Keep the area dimly lit as hens are drawn to dark, private locations, and ensure the space is secure from potential predators or other threats.

Finally, handle the chicks with care and always wash your hands before touching them. Their immune systems are still developing, and introducing germs can be detrimental to their health. Encourage the chicks to eat from your palm to build trust and acceptance of treats from humans.

By following these steps, you can effectively care for a mother hen and her newly hatched chicks during the crucial first few days, providing them with the necessary comfort, nutrition, and protection.

Provide the mother hen with water and chick starter feed after hatching

It is essential to provide the mother hen and the newly hatched chicks with adequate water and food. While the chicks can survive for up to 48 hours without food or water due to the absorption of the egg yolk before hatching, it is crucial to ensure they have access to nourishment soon after.

For the mother hen, it is recommended to keep her food and water supply at a distance during the brooding period to encourage her to get up and move around. However, after the chicks have hatched, it is best to place the water and chick starter feed close to her so that she doesn't have to leave her chicks unattended. A poultry nipple waterer is a good option for providing water to the mother hen. This way, she can feed and water herself while keeping the chicks warm and safe.

Chick starter feed is specifically formulated to meet the nutritional needs of newly hatched chicks. It is important to provide this feed to the mother hen so that she can, in turn, feed her chicks. As the chicks grow older, you can introduce treats such as oyster shells for extra calcium and cooked eggs. Additionally, chick grit should be provided to help with their digestion as they start to explore different types of food.

It is also important to note that the mother hen will naturally want to teach her chicks how to find food and water. She will make unique clucking sounds to guide and reassure them. For example, when she scratches in leaves or dirt to find food, she will give a special high-pitched cluck to call her chicks to come and eat. This is an important part of the mother hen's instinctual behaviour, and it helps the chicks learn how to forage for themselves.

Prepare a comfortable brooding area for the chicks before they arrive

Preparing a comfortable brooding area for the chicks before they arrive is crucial. You can use a plastic container, wood box, galvanized tank, or even a child's wading pool, which will be their home for the first four to five weeks of life. Cover the brooder base with nesting materials such as newspaper and kitchen towels for the initial days, and then switch to pine shavings.

It is important to provide water to the chicks as soon as they hatch, as they can become dehydrated. You can use shallow waterers or add pebbles to the bases to prevent the chicks from drowning. Additionally, adding electrolytes and probiotics to the water can provide an extra boost of hydration.

For the first two to three days, it is advisable to keep the mother hen and her chicks in a separate area, such as a large dog cage or a small coop, to allow them time to bond. During this period, the mother hen will be protective and closely watch over her chicks.

In terms of food, the mother hen will naturally guide her chicks to sources of food and water. She will make unique cluck sounds to reassure and teach them. It is important to provide chick starter feed and treats to fulfil their dietary requirements. You can also offer oyster shells for extra calcium, a cabbage head for entertainment, and cooked eggs.

Wash your hands before handling the chicks to avoid any health risks

When handling newborn chicks, it is imperative to prioritise their health and wellbeing. Their immune systems are still developing, so they are particularly vulnerable to external pathogens. Therefore, always wash your hands before handling chicks to prevent exposing them to harmful bacteria or viruses that may cause disease.

Practising good hygiene is a critical step in ensuring the health and safety of newly hatched chicks. By washing your hands, you reduce the risk of transmitting any potential pathogens that could be harmful to the chicks. Their developing immune systems are not yet equipped to fight off certain diseases, so it is essential to minimise this risk.

The mother hen's instincts will guide her to protect her chicks and keep them healthy. She will lead them, teach them, and care for them diligently. However, it is important to remember that not all hens will be good mothers. Some may abandon their chicks, while others may even harm them. Therefore, it is crucial to keep a close eye on the mother hen and her chicks during the initial days and weeks.

To wash your hands effectively, use soap and warm water, lathering for at least 20 seconds. Ensure you clean under your nails and between your fingers, as dirt and germs can hide in these areas. Rinse thoroughly and dry your hands completely before touching the chicks. This simple act can significantly reduce the risk of spreading illness to the vulnerable young birds.

In addition to handwashing, there are other measures you can take to ensure the health and safety of the chicks. Provide them with a comfortable brooding area, such as a plastic container, wood box, or galvanised tank, lined with newspaper and kitchen towels. Keep the mother hen and her chicks in a separate area for the first few days, and then slowly introduce them to the rest of the flock. This gradual integration will give the mother hen time to protect and guide her chicks effectively.

Allow the mother hen to lead her chicks and teach them how to source food and water

It is important to let the mother hen lead her chicks and teach them how to source food and water. This is the most natural way to raise chicks, and it allows the hen to follow her instincts and care for her young. The mother hen will guide and reassure her chicks by making unique cluck sounds. For example, when she scratches in leaves or dirt to reveal food, she'll give a special higher-pitched cluck that means "Come here and eat, kids". This way, the chicks will quickly learn how to forage for themselves.

During the first few days after hatching, don't expect the mother hen to do too much with her chicks. The chicks do not need food or water for a couple of days, as just before they hatch, the egg yolk is absorbed in their bodies, providing enough nourishment for up to 48 hours. After this, they will need water, and you should dip their beaks into the water troughs so they can learn to drink. It is a good idea to add electrolytes and probiotics to the water for extra hydration.

The mother hen will lead her chicks out into the run and teach them how to source food and water. She will also show them how to dust bathe and where to relieve themselves. It is important to provide a safe and comfortable space for the mother hen and her chicks during this time. You can keep them in a separate area, like a big dog cage or a small coop, for the first two to three days, and then open it up to let them integrate with the flock.

The mother hen's natural instincts will guide the chicks in their first few weeks. When the chicks are about eight to ten weeks old and have put on enough weight, the mother hen will decide if they are ready to spread their wings and venture out on their own. However, many mother hens let their chicks run free around six to seven weeks after hatching, as by this time, they have taught them enough to brave the world alone.

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