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Ferral Hen hatched in my rain barrel...HELP!

Discussion in 'Raising Baby Chicks' started by Chicos Mama, Mar 10, 2013.

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  1. Mar 10, 2013 #1
    Chicos Mama

    Chicos Mama Out Of The Brooder

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    Oct 24, 2010
    Payson, Arizona
    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!
     
  3. Mar 10, 2013 #2
    Pyxis

    Pyxis Dark Sider Premium Member

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    Mar 27, 2012
    Vermont
    My Coop
    Maybe you could confine her and her chicks to an area that lets her walk around some, but keeps her from leaving? That way you can still get the chicks used to you but you won't have to steal the mother's chicks. Plus, you'll be giving the mother a home and if she gets used to being in and sleeping in your area and learns that your place is a good place to get food, she may just join your flock and hang around after. Lord knows I've obtained more chickens from my neighbors' flock that way (they don't feed them or house them, so for all intents and purposes, they're feral too).
     

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