Can I take the chicks from the hen?

[denco5]

Hello,

I have two broody hens with chicks due on the 6th and 11th of this month. I find it easier to raise the chicks in a brooder and not by the hen, can I take the new chicks from the hen at some point or will she be stressed out and go crazy?

Dennis

 

[gritsar]

If you really want to, you can although the hens will likely put up a fight.

I have the opposite opinion. Allowing a broody to raise the chicks is the simplest, most natural thing in the world. No worrying about heat, what to feed, or protecting them. Also no need to intergrate them into the flock later on. All these things a mama hen does, like they have been doing for hundreds of years.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

I've done it both ways depending on what I want to accomplish.
I agree that using the broody is the easiest and uses no electricity.
I now try to separate the hen from the flock.
If I want her back in production I take away early.
Sometimes if the chicks are extremely rare I leave a couple eggs with her and put the rest in an incubator for the last few days.

 

[denco5]

OK, thanks for the ideas!