I have a hen sitting on about a dozen eggs. I have really no idea how long she's been broody, as she built her nest and laid her eggs under the floor boards of an old dog house in the yard. But I've been checking every day, listening for peeps and seeing if I can see anything. When the chicks do hatch, should I gather them up and take them away from mom? Mom free ranges along with about 15 other chickens (and 4 goats) in a 1 acre "run." And by free range, I mean they are free 24/7, I don't put them up at night at all. They put themselves to bed in yhe coop or on different roosts around the place. She and her mate actually roost in a tree.
Should I take the chicks? I'm thinking yes to protect them from the other birds...
Should I take the chicks? I'm thinking yes to protect them from the other birds...