I sure hope this is the right area to ask for help... I have discovered a ferral hen (one of many in my area) who has hatched 14 chicks in a rain barrel in my yard. I didnt notice untill this morning when I heard peeps. They just hatched within the last 12 hours as most are still moist from hatching. (No rain here)
My questions: Should I take her chicks from her and hand raise them to be part of my flock? This is something ive been wanting to try. She is an Americana and I have silkies and Rhode Island Reds.
If so...Will this tramatize her and/or the chicks?
Should I just remove her in a few days with her chicks and allow her to roam? God knows, we have enough wild chickens in our area
The main issue is that they cannot get out of this barrel without my intervention.
I have been feeding them crumbles and water since yesterday when I found her. And yes...she is completly wild.
Any advice would help!
My questions: Should I take her chicks from her and hand raise them to be part of my flock? This is something ive been wanting to try. She is an Americana and I have silkies and Rhode Island Reds.
If so...Will this tramatize her and/or the chicks?
Should I just remove her in a few days with her chicks and allow her to roam? God knows, we have enough wild chickens in our area
The main issue is that they cannot get out of this barrel without my intervention.
I have been feeding them crumbles and water since yesterday when I found her. And yes...she is completly wild.
Any advice would help!