Okay Lumina(Lulu) my hen has a clutch of eggs, six of them and is still laying and 5 defanly are fertile and I think the sixth is and if all of them hatch I'de like to asist her in feeding them not full time but if I needed to I would. But just to be safe I was going to get some hand feeding mix. But I was wondering if anyone had a healthyer recipe. We are quite bonded and she does'nt mind me touching baby's.

 

Try this one it is the one I have.

 

Try this one it is the one I have.

 

Can I get it in England do you think?

She has eight fertile eggs now, The first is due to hatch in two days

Go to any bird supply store or pet store and ask for handrearing formula. Simple. Dont step in unless the parent cannot cope.

Go to any bird supply store or pet store and ask for handrearing formula. Simple. Dont step in unless the parent cannot cope.

 

 

okay thanks Kaz, Is eight babys alot to handle? last time she only had four so that has doubled, I know that not all the eggs will hatch, but to be safe

If both parents are good feeders they may cope alright. See how you go. Maybe all the eggs wont hatch. This is one of those times where having a few pairs down breeding at the same time would make things easier....fostering eggs and chicks to other nests.

Don't panic too much. Often with a large bunch of eggs you find that the last few don't hatch coz of all the other babies there. Also on occasion I have had the need to foster in emergencies (especially late in the season when most of my boxes are already shut down) and have had pairs raising seven and eight without any issue. Just make sure you give them a break afterwards.

I agree with Nubbly I think it's better to let the parents raise they do a better job

I have had parents raise up to ten babies at times. 6-7 is managable if the dad helps out.

Daddy George is a good helper it's Lumina who doesn't like him touching the babies, she does after 4 or 5 hatch but if it's 4 or less she handles it, but I quess that's her way of saying she can cope. She lets him feed her but not chicks.