Agri Vehicles Insurance from Greenlands

Author Topic: Very late chicks  (Read 2198 times)

ellied

  • Joined Sep 2010
  • Fife
    • Facebook
Very late chicks
« on: November 06, 2017, 03:04:51 pm »
Anyone had winter chicks and raised successfully?  I have unexpectedly got 3 a few days ago - 1 under the dratted hen that I assumed had met a fox, the other 2 she had abandoned pipping eggs and I popped them under the brooder successfully - the rest died in the egg or in one case out of it before I realised  :( and found them.

I am worrying about when the hen leaves her one to fend for itself in a few weeks time - I can probably catch it and put with the other 2 but they'll quickly get too big for the brooder and I don't have buildings to put pens in.  The wee netted runs have various wood coops but in bad weather the chicks could easy get soaked and cold and I wonder if they'll have the sense to look after themselves or get a chill as they've precious little bodyweight to fall back on.

I've a few weeks to work out a plan but just wondering how hardy they might be as growers or any tips to help them out?
Barleyfields Smallholding & Kirkcarrion Highland Ponies
https://www.facebook.com/kirkcarrionhighlands/
Ellie Douglas Therapist
https://www.facebook.com/Ellie-Douglas-Therapist-124792904635278/

Marches Farmer

  • Joined Dec 2012
  • Herefordshire
Re: Very late chicks
« Reply #1 on: November 06, 2017, 05:53:38 pm »
I'd be inclined to provide a heat lamp at night until they're around 5 weeks old, depending on the weather.  If they're dry they can withstand most things.  Bits of board over the roof of runs and along the windward side do a good job at keeping draughts out.

harmony

  • Joined Feb 2012
Re: Very late chicks
« Reply #2 on: November 06, 2017, 06:18:49 pm »
I would have popped the two back under the hen, having fastened her in a coop, that night. I doubt she will take them now. I would take the one off her and put it with the two. This time of year it only takes a sharp, cold shower to kill off chicks unless the hen is very careful and so far she hasn't done that well.

Eve

  • Joined Jul 2010
Re: Very late chicks
« Reply #3 on: November 06, 2017, 06:44:44 pm »
Better count on 8 weeks before they'll be ok on their own given it'll be the depth of winter. Either add the two under the hen tonight or keep a very good eye on her (any chance of her spending the nights and any days you won't be at home in the kitchen or a utility room?)


How about a secondhand rabbit cage or similar for the 2 or all 3 chicks? Ebay, charity shop?


So you thought she'd been had by the fox and it turns out she was busy multiplying - that must have been quite a surprise  :D

ellied

  • Joined Sep 2010
  • Fife
    • Facebook
Re: Very late chicks
« Reply #4 on: November 07, 2017, 08:12:03 am »
The 2 are in a box in the spare room just now but I have a dog cage in the garage that they can stay in under the brooder til they get too big for it. 

Harmony/Eve - It is easier to take the hen's chick in when needed than put the other 2 under as she isn't that great at mothering.  I have fostered day olds onto a broody before but decided against this time because it is so cold and she'd let a chick die already trying to follow another, then abandoned her one expecting it to follow her rather than stay and keep it warm.  She's doing ok for it now in the wee coop but I'd rather she did that one well than risk the others outside now they're in and safe.  I was planning to leave her with the 1 until she is bored, probably 5 weeks or so, then put it in the cage with the others until they're all able to cope outdoors.  I might steal it from her earlier tho she won't like that at the moment!

Will see if they can still fit in it inside til 8 weeks thanks Eve.  I had pols in that cage out on the back drive with a pallet and roofing tin extension last winter to cover them - that might be the answer for their transition as it will be more sheltered if a little dark - with extra board at the base as they're small enough to find gaps and it will be extra wind/rain shelter too yes, thanks MF.

Eve - yes indeed, I factor in broodies in summer but not my first thought in late October/early November when most are coming out of moult and not laying again yet - someone clearly was tho! 
Barleyfields Smallholding & Kirkcarrion Highland Ponies
https://www.facebook.com/kirkcarrionhighlands/
Ellie Douglas Therapist
https://www.facebook.com/Ellie-Douglas-Therapist-124792904635278/

ellied

  • Joined Sep 2010
  • Fife
    • Facebook
Re: Very late chicks
« Reply #5 on: November 08, 2017, 04:57:06 pm »
Update to say sadly the wee chick with the hen didn't make it.  She is back with the rest and the 2 I kept in the house are now in the garage in their box inside a dog cage for security, still under the brooder and fingers crossed the extra room and enough heat will see them through the next few weeks.
Barleyfields Smallholding & Kirkcarrion Highland Ponies
https://www.facebook.com/kirkcarrionhighlands/
Ellie Douglas Therapist
https://www.facebook.com/Ellie-Douglas-Therapist-124792904635278/

Marches Farmer

  • Joined Dec 2012
  • Herefordshire
Re: Very late chicks
« Reply #6 on: November 08, 2017, 06:45:51 pm »
I always put a leg ring on hens that come off the nest or turn out to be poor mothers and they're not allowed to hatch eggs in the future.

 

Forum sponsors

FibreHut Energy Helpline Thomson & Morgan Time for Paws Scottish Smallholder & Grower Festival Ark Farm Livestock Movement Service

© The Accidental Smallholder Ltd 2003-2024. All rights reserved.

Design by Furness Internet

Site developed by Champion IS