First time Momma Hen

[donrae]

I wish every new chicken owner could watch a momma brood chicks before they get their own. It would put so many fears to rest!

Chicks are way tougher than we give them credit for.

Sounds like your momma hen is doing a great job. My mommas usually make it very clear to the other hens her babies are off limits. Sure, if the chicks get between an older hen and the food, or otherwise annoy her, they'll get a peck, but that's it. Chick will make a fuss and run back to momma, momma will say "what did you expect, I told you to stay away from her" and all is good. Your chicks will grow up knowing how to be good flock members. I don't know if you plan to keep a cockerel or not, but your chances of having a better mannered bird are better having him raised with mature hens teaching him manners.

 

[MakelaNJoe]

I wish every new chicken owner could watch a momma brood chicks before they get their own. It would put so many fears to rest!

Chicks are way tougher than we give them credit for.

Sounds like your momma hen is doing a great job. My mommas usually make it very clear to the other hens her babies are off limits. Sure, if the chicks get between an older hen and the food, or otherwise annoy her, they'll get a peck, but that's it. Chick will make a fuss and run back to momma, momma will say "what did you expect, I told you to stay away from her" and all is good. Your chicks will grow up knowing how to be good flock members. I don't know if you plan to keep a cockerel or not, but your chances of having a better mannered bird are better having him raised with mature hens teaching him manners.

That is definetly a great idea! When i was younger i was terrified of chickens now that im older and have children of my own i realize how rediculius it was to be scared of them. So i went and bought 3 chicks at 2 weeks old and my husband built the coop from extra lumber in the yard, my older son who is 2 has learned so much already! He goes out with me in the morning to give fresh food and water and in the afternoons he always makes sure they have a snack! Then at dark he makes sure the coop is closed and chicks are safe inside! Its soo cute! But i definetly wish i new more about them when i started i feel like my son and I are learning together! Lol its awesome though!

 

[kjanes]

I wish every new chicken owner could watch a momma brood chicks before they get their own. It would put so many fears to rest!

Chicks are way tougher than we give them credit for.

Sounds like your momma hen is doing a great job. My mommas usually make it very clear to the other hens her babies are off limits. Sure, if the chicks get between an older hen and the food, or otherwise annoy her, they'll get a peck, but that's it. Chick will make a fuss and run back to momma, momma will say "what did you expect, I told you to stay away from her" and all is good. Your chicks will grow up knowing how to be good flock members. I don't know if you plan to keep a cockerel or not, but your chances of having a better mannered bird are better having him raised with mature hens teaching him manners.

I recently rehomed my Roo because he started coming at me...I can't have that with 2 toddlers in the yard. I don't plan on a new Roo, but if one of my babies ends up being so I will definately be willing to give it a try again. It makes sense that he would be better mannered being raised in a flock of mature hens.

 

[Sonya9]

I recently rehomed my Roo because he started coming at me...I can't have that with 2 toddlers in the yard. I don't plan on a new Roo, but if one of my babies ends up being so I will definately be willing to give it a try again. It makes sense that he would be better mannered being raised in a flock of mature hens.

Being raised by hens helps roosters behave well around HENS.

Humans (especially loud fast moving ones that chase) that threaten the rooster's hens/space are another thing entirely, kwim?

 

[kjanes]

Being raised by hens helps roosters behave well around HENS.

Humans (especially loud fast moving ones that chase) that threaten the rooster's hens/space are another thing entirely, kwim?

Gotcha!

 

[kjanes]

Ms Bernice, and her 3 chicks.

 

[MakelaNJoe]

Ms Bernice, and her 3 chicks.

Oh my goodness !! How precious!!!! Love it!

 

[schmooscontrol]

She's doing great and very protective. Her sister is expecting hatchlings tomorrow.