The Poultry Keeper

chickadee66 · Joined: 29 Jun 2008 Posts: 23

I rescued a warren hen two weeks ago. 3 days ago we were given two chicks that needed a new home, my hen keeps trying to attack the chicks every time she is near them. At the moment we are keeping them separated, whats the best way to get Chickadee used to Daisy and Poppy and how long will it take? I am just worried one of the chicks will get injured. Please reply if you know the answer, thank you Smile

milkmaid · Joined: 19 Apr 2005 Posts: 6958 Location: isle of lewis

unfortunatly unless she is broodie ,she will not ,i'm afraid it looks like a human nannying job till the chicks are old enough to look after them selves ,chickens can be quite nasty and kill the chicks if you are not carefull ,how old are the chicks

chickadee66 · Joined: 29 Jun 2008 Posts: 23

Daisy and Poppy are 2 weeks old! They are lovely! They have been in the house during the day and in the shed at night time. Its my first time with chicks so hope I am doing things right! Thanks for you're reply milkmaid =)

JustChickens · Joined: 24 Mar 2008 Posts: 787 Location: Sussex

There way too young at 2 weeks to try and introduce them to your warren. Im sure if you left them alone she would kill them Sad

make sure they have heat all the time aswell, chills can kill them especially with only 2 chicks

mojo · Posted: Sun Jun 29, 2008 8:03 pm Post subject:

6 weeks is minimum age to meet grownup hens

chickadee66 · Joined: 29 Jun 2008 Posts: 23

Hi thanks for all your advice Very Happy

Warren is outside and two chicks are inside. will they be warm enough in a double glazed house or is that too cold for them still? Do I need a heat lamp? The chicks seem happy enough running around chirping away! We only rescued the chicks three days ago so are still learning everything! If u could write back I'd really appreciate it! Thanks Very Happy

JustChickens · Joined: 24 Mar 2008 Posts: 787 Location: Sussex

Not being nasty, but you really should of found out what your doing before you rescued the little chicks, i would suggest getting a heat lamp Smile

best for the chicks, if a hen had hatched them they keep warm under her

chickadee66 · Joined: 29 Jun 2008 Posts: 23

No offense taken, in the circumstances they needed a home, rather that than die! They have been snuggling up with us and appear very happy and healthy

thank you for the advice justchickens will order a heat lamp today Very Happy

JustChickens · Joined: 24 Mar 2008 Posts: 787 Location: Sussex

sorry if i did offend you. And good on you Smile

chickadee66 · Joined: 29 Jun 2008 Posts: 23

No of course not, appreciate all the advise Very Happy

ummm anyone know where to buy a heat lamp that we can just go and buy in the west sussex area rather than buying off the net and waiting a week? Thank you Smile

JustChickens · Joined: 24 Mar 2008 Posts: 787 Location: Sussex

Ooo you live close to me aswell haha, well im in east sussex, and sorry nowhere in west sussex. I buy stuff online or borrow from friends

kated · Joined: 01 Nov 2006 Posts: 1740 Location: norfolk

Use a 60 watt light bulb in the interim. It will give out all the heat they need and be cheaper. For heat lamps you need to find your nearest farm supply shop (yellow pages)

Edited to add: Although this person is not giving a lot away as to who he is, it might be worth contacting him/her.

http://www.farmingads.co.uk/category/gct-farming-and-livestock-poultry/region/w-uk-south-east-east-sussex/ChickensForSaleingequipmentfull-201768.html

chickadee66 · Joined: 29 Jun 2008 Posts: 23

will use 60watt till heat lamp arrives, thanks guys! Very Happy

milkmaid · Joined: 19 Apr 2005 Posts: 6958 Location: isle of lewis

that's what i use the few heat lamps were getting way to expensive

Woodburner · Posted: Mon Jun 30, 2008 8:50 pm Post subject:

Don't bother with the heat lamp, a sixty watt reflector bulb is plenty for them, and at this time of year you waon't need it for long anyway. Somthing to snuggle up to is a good idea too with only the two of them.