new poults should I leave them with hen?

[jasonm11]

I have two hens setting eggs now and I am wondering what to do once they hatch. I live in North Texas so once they hatch teh weather will be warm enough for them outside I would think. Can I just put food and water for them in with the hen or should I remove the poults? Any help would be approeciated. I have a few chicken eggs under one of the hens because I was told they would help the poults learn to eat and drink. I tried to add some eggs last night and the hens were not too happy. they seem to be in full on protective mode now.

 

[Thomasturkey]

I brood all my own poults myself because they are in a safe place and I seldom lose any that way. The only way I would let my hens try to raise there own, is if it was completely safe, away from everyone. Ravens love to eat our poults, so its hard to keep them outside where we live.

 

[kuntrygirl]

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I agree with Thomasturkey.

 

[jasonm11]

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right now i have two brooding hens in a 8x24 foot covered run with a 6x6' shed with straw on the floor. i could easily run a little chicken wire along the bottom of the run to keep the poults in. right now the only birds gettin in are sparrows. Assuming they are safe from predators, do you think they would be alright with the hens long term? I am not in a position to bring them into the house for weeks on end and I am scared to put a heat lamp out in the shed while I am gone.

 

[ColbyNTX]

Jason,

They will be fine and stronger, better poults than anyone could raise in a brooder. Yes, make sure there is food and water that the babies can get to and momma will do the rest. Just make sure they are eating and drinking and can't get wet.