Help with just hatched chicks!!

[grettasurfergirl]

Thank you! Does anyone know about a 5th option of just taking the chicks out and putting them in a brooder on their own? It’s been a pain having the mama hen in the brooder with them. She is so protective so I can’t even add food or change the water without getting pecked and the poops are just gnarly!

 

[The Happster]

I would not remove them.
It would not be fair on either the mother or the chicks. Especially if they are imprinted.
I know it's difficult sometimes, but she is just doing her job. And I still think it's easier with a broody.

 

[grettasurfergirl]

I would not remove them.
It would not be fair on either the mother or the chicks. Especially if they are imprinted.
I know it's difficult sometimes, but she is just doing her job. And I still think it's easier with a broody.

Thank you.... it does seem a little cruel for them. How long does it take to imprint? I’m not sure I can tell if they are but when we held a chick yesterday she pretty much freaked out.

 

[The Happster]

They say within the first three days. However, for me personally, I couldn't do it after the hen first seeing her chicks. Because she is expecting them and I'd just feel bad.

 

[Sooner Magnolia]

Thank you.... it does seem a little cruel for them. How long does it take to imprint? I’m not sure I can tell if they are but when we held a chick yesterday she pretty much freaked out.

Where do you have mom and babies? I have used a dog kennel in the past with a hamster type water bottle hung on the door and either a feeder or dish . After a few days I could either attach a small run or let mom and babies free range while others are penned up. It doesn’t take long at all for babies to learn to listen to/ follow/hide under momma.

 

[The Happster]

I do that too.
I have mine out in a small-ish run all day. The chick is 1 week old.
And I free range them when the other birds are out of the way too.
It's so nice watching the chicks follow the hen.

 

[Linka]

I have a lot of chickens so everyone wants to hen peck something they can dominate with just three I think your adults would be likely to have a good hierarchy so a few chicks should fine, a momma might stand up for them, ours fluff out their tales. Lift their wings for the babies to scoot under if being bullied, I very much doubt - fingers crossed - that a small set will cause too much harm plus the broody one is less likely to pick on the chicks as she is on her bum, just make sure you put food near her so she does not want to push the chicks around to get her fair share, and you may need water closer by but your Wilkie managed fine so it sounds like you are on the right track, look for special chick food for chickens it deals with parasitical gut issues, best of luck dont be tight with the photographs

 

[grettasurfergirl]

I have a lot of chickens so everyone wants to hen peck something they can dominate with just three I think your adults would be likely to have a good hierarchy so a few chicks should fine, a momma might stand up for them, ours fluff out their tales. Lift their wings for the babies to scoot under if being bullied, I very much doubt - fingers crossed - that a small set will cause too much harm plus the broody one is less likely to pick on the chicks as she is on her bum, just make sure you put food near her so she does not want to push the chicks around to get her fair share, and you may need water closer by but your Wilkie managed fine so it sounds like you are on the right track, look for special chick food for chickens it deals with parasitical gut issues, best of luck dont be tight with the photographs

Thank you for your help and advice!! Appreciate it! Sorry, you’re right, I’ve forgotten to post photos of the cute new chicks! Welcome Violet and Iris! They were supposed to be lavender ameraucana but I think a half black half lavender laid these eggs. Can’t wait to let these cuties have a little outside time in a separate run tomorrow!

 

[Linka]

Thank you for your help and advice!! Appreciate it! Sorry, you’re right, I’ve forgotten to post photos of the cute new chicks! Welcome Violet and Iris! They were supposed to be lavender ameraucana but I think a half black half lavender laid these eggs. Can’t wait to let these cuties have a little outside time in a separate run tomorrow!

So cute