How early can you take a chick from its mother???

[chickieluver26]

I know it's better to leave the chick with momma but the other hens kill them or they get out and something else ends up killing em please can I take em an hour after they hatch???

 

[redsoxs]

Greetings from Kansas and

! Pleased you joined us! Well, I know when you hatch eggs in an incubator you aren't supposed to take them out until they are dry...unsure when it's hatched by momma hen. You might post in the link below - someone will have a better idea than I do. Good luck to you!

https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/5/incubating-hatching-eggs

 

[Quailsong]

For chickens, you could take them within a day easily. For some other (esp wild birds) they need more time before they're able to fend for themselves.

Chicken - Hens, no matter their current status, will bump up in rank the moment they're sporting a bunch of babies. They will get more distance from the other hens. If however your coop/run is very small, or you got aggressive roos then I'd be cautious of having chicks in the same pen.

I'm sure others here could add to what I've said, or even give different opinions based off their experience.

 

[Mr MKK FARMS]

Welcome to BYC!!!

Glad to have you aboard!!

 

[drumstick diva]

If you could fashion a secure area for mom and chicks - it really is better for mom to raise them. She teaches them how to be chickens, where to find food and water, what is good to eat and things you don't eat. I can understand your desire to save them tho - They really shouldn't go outside(alone) until they are fully feathered out, and even then you will still face pecking order issues