My birds Marie

and Lord Louis

are on their second clutch of chicks. Two died while hatching , but I think they have two chicks and one egg left. The problem is Marie won't get of the eggs and I need to check the health of the chicks. I've tapped on the box, and held the box open until she gets angry and flapps her wings at me.

In her last clutch she did'nt feed her two last chicks so I want to check if their okay.

Any ideas?

Thanks Carri

ps. last clutch she moved of the eggs after tapping on the box before opening.

Hold a piece of millet spray in through the nesting box hole, while you have the nesting box door open. Gently reach in and slide your hand under the hen with her on the back of your hand....if she stays there just raise her up sitting atop your hand while you check whats under her. If she bites really hard it may pay to put a soft cotton glove on while you check the babies.

Thanks Bubbles,

I just gave it a try and it worked like a charm.(the millet spray method)

There are three babies one looks like it hatched today and hasn't been feed yet, but I will keep an eye on it. The others look healthy and with full crops!

Carri

Edited November 3, 200618 yr by adelaidegirl