Mama Hen With Baby Chicks - Do I Separate Them?...

[TJ]

Hello, I have a black Frizzle Cochin Bantam Hen that just hatched two babies this morning and I didn't know if I am doing this right or not but when I went in the chicken house this morning she was on the floor with the chicks and they were under her but the other grown chickens were crowed around her and one hen was pecking the new mother on the head constantly. I got a small pen and put a feeder and waterer in there and put the Mama Hen and her chicks in there. Is it right to separate the mother and her chicks from the other chickens? If so, for how long do I keep them separated? Please advise as I am new to this...

Thank you so much!

~tj

 

[emys]

Yes, if mama is getting pecked on the head - separate them! The babies need to eat and drink in peace for at least two weeks. It is best if the other hens can see and hear, but not touch the babies during this time.

After 2 weeks, try letting them back with the others for short supervised periods and see how it goes...

 

[mmaddie's mom]

Quote:
Couldn't have said it better...