Baby chicks

[Ginny]

I have a friend whose hens will not set. I set some eggs for him with a good reliable mother of mine. He wants to take the chicks at about two weeks. I am worried it may bother the mother hen. I thought a month would be better. Any ideas?

 

[HorseFeatherz NV]

Personally, I would take the chicks when mom is starting to kick them to the curb. This varies with each hen (and sometimes per clutch), but mine are generally ready to be chick free when the chicks are 8 weeks. Now sometimes it is sooner and sometimes later. I like the broody to raise them, and teach them flock rules - but that is me.


If you take the chicks at 2 weeks - mom is going to look and cry for them. Can he take the hen with him? Or you could take the chicks as they hatch (can you leave her one or two?)