Help!!! My broody hen just hatched three chicks now what???

[brkuk]

This is my first broody hen and she hatched three chicks so far. Do I need to take them from her or just have food and water avail?? I feel I should take them but I want her to take care of them. They are silkie-crosses. Thanks for any help.

 

[Kat'sChicks]

If you want her to raise them, why take them from her? As long as she's a good mother I'd let her do her job. If you're concerned, just watch for any signs of abuse or true abandonment. I'm guessing that she'll keep the chicks close and do a good job of teaching them how to be chickens.
Just make sure to have fresh water available, and some chick starter for the babies. Will they free range? If so, you may feel better fencing them in for a few days until you're sure mom has it under control.
My silkie hatched an egg in June and from day one she was in charge. The first couple of weeks she and the baby didn't go more than a couple of yards from the coop, then began to widen the territory. I checked on them as much as I could but let mom do all the work. It's been fun watching my little golf ball grow up.

 

[brkuk]

They will be free ranging with 18 other chickens. Also they hatched in a nesting box about 20 inches from the floor. Should they all be moved to the floor.

 

[gritsar]

Quote:
Yes, I would move them to a safer (lower) location. If Mama doesn't look like she wants to protect the babies from the other chickens, you might have to isolate her with her chicks for a few days. Silkies are usually excellent moms.
It's best to move her at night. Less disturbing to her that way.

 

[max101]

My silkie just hatched her first eggs yesterday. She has 4 little fluff balls. I have let her raise her babies with 4 other silkies in her pen and one of them is daddy roo. It is great seeing how the other chickens interact with the little ones but if they get too close mum let them have it. The roo is gentle with them even offering food to them. I will not have any problems with re introducing them or anything as they are already part of the family

 

[Judy]

My broody hatched and raised chicks with the flock. They grow faster and are healthier that way, as well as getting the benefit of mama's knowledge, IMO.

Read here:

http://www.themodernhomestead.us/article/Broody-Hens-1.html

 

[kuntrygirl]

i always let my hens take care of their babies. i never intervene. i keep them in a safe place until they are old enough to be with the older chickens. i have had no problems at all and i have anywhere from 4 hens that are broody at one time every few months.

 

[brkuk]

Quote:
Thanks for the great article. We now have 4 silkie mixes.