Can I take the chicks from the broody once they hatch?

[Maryallison]

Just wondering how many of you guys take the chicks away from the broody mama chicken once they hatch? I only let a hen hatch eggs out 1 other time. I let mama rasie them and well....

they just didn't seem as friendly, like the cute chicks wanted nothing to do with me. I wanta play with the fluffy butts!

 

[Guitartists]

I think quite a few folks here will take them and brood them if they plan to keep them so that they will be friendlier with humans. Personal preference I would say

 

[Pumpkinpup]

I have done it both ways

 

[katrinag]

Momma hens really do the best job. But yes you can take them away from her. Could you just leave her 1 baby?

 

[Hotwings]

I much prefer to keep chicks with the hen. I like watching the interaction between mother and chicks.

 

[lurky]

If you take them away, they wont be seen as part of the flock. Then they can be bullied when/if you wanted to put them back. I think its better to let the broody keep them, but go spend alot of time with them all so they will be used to you. Or, do like Katrina suggested and split them with her.

 

[Chicktastic]

I leave them with the hen. They do get bullied if you take them away. But I make an effort to interact with them. If the momma is friendly then feed her to get her to come to you and then you can handle the chicks. Even my most fierce hen will let us hold the babies if there is food involved.

 

[peepinglaura]

After seeing how loving and happy our hen is with her kiddies, I will never take chicks away from a mama hen. We're still developing a happy relationship with her chicks, who are now 2 weeks old. We got most of our others as pullets and have a very friendly relationship with them. We also have a hand raised one that will have nothing to do with us inless we're packing bread crumbs or berries.

 

[bock]

Do what ever makes you feel happy!!!

P.s good luck!!!

 

[Teresaann24]

I have done both momma does a wonderful job raising her babies and teaching them to be a chicken. I have only even taken chicks from momma hens who seem less then likly wanting to care for the chicks or due to cold temps outside. Other then that if you have a safe warm place for momma and she is doing her motherly job. I'd say leave them with momma.