Raise Chicks or Let Mama?

[Jan336]

I would like some advice if my hen ever lays. When the chicks do arrive, is it best to separate them and raise the chick alone? Or let mother hen do what is best? I was thinking to let momma hen do all the work, since she would know better than me, and keep them together in the coop. Any advice?

 

[SpringChickens]

Absolutely. Momma does a great job. They won't be quite as friendly at first if mom raises them, but it's MUCH less work for you.

 

[DPC poultry]

let momma but keep them away from the rooster

 

[Jan336]

So I should isolate the momma and chicks from Roosters? I guess I need to build a Maternity Coop?

 

[gritsar]

Mama can teach them much more about how to be a chicken, "chicken smarts" than a human could ever hope to.

As far as the rooster goes, it depends on the rooster. Some are as protective of their offspring as the mama is. You have to know your individual rooster and watch him with the chicks. A good mama hen is very protective of her chicks and will kick anybody's butt that tries to mess with them.

ETA: An example of a rooster taking care of his chicks:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=431689