just wondering, my babies are all covered in their food, what do I do with this? Do I clean them? and if so how? or do I leave it?

The youngest is only 1-2 days old

 

:chickendance:

can you provide a photo??

 

Cleaning very young chicks can be tricky as there is a great risk of chilling.

Is it caked on them? What nesting material are you using?

I cant get a photo at the moment, will try later, it just seems to be bits that molly has been feeding them and she has got it all over them.

 

There is no nesting materials as she has thrown it all out every time I have tried. I can try again though any recommendations on what to use

If its just spilled food over face and nostrils and beak I just wipe away with my fingers. Some new mums or dad are just messy at delivering the food to the chicks.

okay thanks

Nesting materials can be replaced once chicks arrive as by that time, the Mums are too busy to think about removing it. You can use rolled oats, pine shavings ( not too fumy ..let it air before adding ) , kitty litter with pine shavings etc.

Edited November 4, 200816 yr by Neat

Oohh rolled oats sounds lovely Kaz it would be great for their skin too :question:

I will try the rolled oats, Do I take the babies out and place in a container next to box while I do this or try and do it with them in?

Just throw half a cup in the nest box with the babies and spread it out a little :question:

Edited November 4, 200816 yr by melbournebudgies

I had 1 hen that was a very messy feeder - I used a warm cloth and cleaned them up ...

 

I'd hate it if i had food stuck on my face all day :question:

 

If you do remove chicks make sure that they are warm - Ie a high side container so the wind doesn't blow on them :rip:

Edited November 4, 200816 yr by Neat

I've added rolled oats and did it with the babies still in the box so lets hope this helps and she doesnt throw it out again. She wasnt happy while I was doing it though.

Nesting materials can be replaced once chicks arrive as by that time, the Mums are too busy to think about removing it. You can use rolled oats, pine shavings ( not too fumy ..let it air before adding ) , kitty litter with pine shavings etc.

 

 

Wow Kaz,

I love that idea, as easy to obtain as kitty litter and all natural!

Trish