How long to leave broody hen with hatched babies?

[drezac10]

I am attempting to hatch some babies under a broody hen. When they do hatch, how long should I leave the hen with the babies?

 

[wing it]

The hen will show the chicks how to be chickens. There is no reson to remove them from a good mother. I have chicks (hens) that are over a year old that are still in with there mother and all the others. If you mean how all long till the chicks can be on there own, then I would say wait for them to feather out unless you plan on providing some type of heat for them

 

[Dipsy Doodle Doo]

Hi Drezak! The chicks should hatch 21 days after the hen started 'brooding / setting' the eggs.
The hen will 'mother' the chicks for 5 or 6 weeks (at least). You can leave them together indefinitely or take the chicks away at hatch and hand raise them in a brooder.
Good luck!

Lisa

 

[ChickensR2addicting]

Yes leaved them with the mama and you won't have to do a thing!!!
Except give them peep food and water at their level.
It is also a great experience to watch a hen take care of her peeps.
They usually do a great job!

 

[drezac10]

Thanks for your help. Looking forward to seeing how the hatch turns out. First attempt. 9 eggs under broody and 19 others in LG Incubator.

 

[phasianidae]

Quote:
If you do take the chicks away, do it right away before she gets attached to them and then give her new eggs. But I would recommend letting her raise the chicks, she will let them know when she does not want to care for them anymore.

 

[drezac10]

Quote:
If you do take the chicks away, do it right away before she gets attached to them and then give her new eggs. But I would recommend letting her raise the chicks, she will let them know when she does not want to care for them anymore.

I think I will let her raise the babies, to cold here in MN to keep her broody. Just decided to try it this time.

 

[oesdog]

OHHHHHHHHH Leave them please!!!!!!!!!
There is no right or wrong time Momma hen will tell you when she has had enough.
My Bertha Brooded her chicks until they were 18weeks old and she couldn;t get on top of them anymore.

Oesdog

good luck. remember Momma knows best!!!