Removing just-hatched chicks from hen

[Sheila]

My broody hen is hatching out her chicks. I can see several and don't know what the final result will be.

I have 20 more fertile eggs that will be good for a few more days. Roos are gone. I'd like to take the chicks from this mother in a couple of days and raise them in a brooder, hoping that she will set on the 20. I'm crossing breeds and won't have another opportunity.

Any ideas as to whether she would do it again right away?

 

[Mahonri]

Once she has chicks under her, she's done for a good two months... on average.

 

[elmo]

I wouldn't do it, myself. Sitting on eggs for three weeks without eating or drinking much is stressful for the hen. She'll have lost weight. If you put more eggs under her, she'll either abandon them or put her life or health at risk to incubate them.

 

[Lollipop]

I dissagree with elmo and Mahonri. I once had a game hen that hatched 3 clutches, one right after another, just like you are wanting. I took the last batch also and she was trying to hatch a rock. Nothing bad happened and she was healthy. Of course chickens are individuals like humans, so anything may happen, but you have a good chance of being successful. Get them out as soon as they are reasonably dry and start the new eggs with no gap between chicks and new eggs. Make it a seamless transition. Do it tonight.......Pop