I have had lots of success with surrogate silkies. If she hasn't killed the chick as of yet, I don't think she will. I wouldn't separate mama and chick. Is she keeping the chick warm under her feathers and sitting with her? If she is I think she will continue to care for the chick. Good luck! :)
Depends on the bird and the breed...
Some start earlier around 5 months and some can be later like my buff silkie who was 1 year old when she laid her first egg :)
I would go with the Pyrenees. They are guardian dogs. Herding dogs are not a good choice from what I have read. No matter what type of dog you choose, you should introduce slowly and keep an eye on them for the first while as some dogs may be very tempted by your chickies. I have a mutt and he...
It's really up to you. If you want to raise them drug free do it. I did not use a medicated starter with my chicks but I did put unpasturized ACV in their water. They are 2 months old doing great. I prefer not to use antibiotics if not needed. Other people may have different views, I don't...
Zeolite is silica based, your hair and nails are made out of silica. Zeolite is not toxic you can buy it at health food stores and take it yourself it helps remove heavy metals, carcinogens etc, it is a pH balancer and it is expelled naturally it doesn't stay in your system.
I have posted my year old RSL's eggs on this thread before as she occasionally lays double yolker's. Here is her biggest yet. Laid yesterday, weighing in at 4.13 oz.