Chicks reared by hen v. brooded "artificially"

[ralleia]

Ever since we established our first batch of hens about 10 years ago, I have allowed a broody to rear all the chicks. We would order chicks to arrive around the time that a broody's eggs would hatch and then have her adopt the whole batch. It has worked out well and is significantly less work.

Now we are thinking of making a clean start and replacing our whole flock without a broody in the middle. The reason I am considering the fresh start is that I am concerned that some of the hens may have scaly leg mites or potentially other issues, which we have been unable to satisfactorily control despite dipping and other measures.

I have read along the way that chicks reared by a hen are calmer and better-adjusted than those not raised by a hen. Though our experience suggests that might be true, we haven't enough comparisons to really validate the statement.

What is the experience of other chicken enthusiasts?

We'd like to make a clean start, but if having a hen mother is better, then we'll do that.

 

[JanetMarie]

I have done both also, and also prefer to have the hen raise the chicks because it is less work and just seeing how it works I think all chicks need a (chicken) mom.

Besides that, out of the different breeds not raised by a hen, I think they can turn out the same as adults raised either way. It may depend on the breed and how much time you spend with them.

I have noticed a difference between chicks that are shipped in the mail and ones that are not. The shipped chicks took a lot of time to trust us, and ones that were hatched at home, or picked up at a hatchery seemed to better adjust and healthier. So, my only suggestion is to not get chicks that are shipped in the mail.

This is all from my experience.