| The reason people recommend placing chicks under a hen during the night is because she will be more apt to accept them as HERS when she wakes up in the morning and BAM--eggs gone, chicks in their place! Of course, make sure she has eggs to sit on before the chicks arrive and make the switch as smoothly as possible, with as much darkness as possible. Trying it during the day, in my experience, results in the hen freaking out and trying to get AWAY from what she presumes are some OTHER hens' chicks--she expects their real mama to come along and clean her clock. I'd have a brooder box standing by and ready to go just in case she doesn't accept the chicks. It's normal for broody hens to only come off the nest for a few minutes each day to eat, drink, poop and maybe dustbathe. Unless you are standing there watching her the entire day, chances are you won't see it. Also, to answer your other question, give the chicks something with traction for bedding/to run on. Pine shavings, straw, dirt--it's all good. Avoid slick surfaces like newspaper, which can cause the chicks' legs to splay when they cannot grip it with their feet. Good luck with your chicks, cochins make great moms. :) Velvet ~:> |
