Selling chicks hatched by hens

[Pahlavinka]

Hey. Here's the situation. I have 2 hens that hatched 5 chicks each. I'm looking to get rid of most of them. The question I have is it safe to take them away from their mother that early? 1 batch is 3 weeks old the other is only a week. They've become assimilated to following mom around. Should I wait till 5 weeks or so. Or is it okay now.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Any time will work. They can be removed when they hatch. However, the hen will miss the chicks and now the chicks are imprinted on the hens but they can go.

 

[lazy gardener]

I am facing similar situation. 10 in first clutch are 4 weeks old. 12 in second clutch are 2 days old. My plan is to wait until Mamas have weaned their chicks. Simply to cause less stress to the Mamas. I also should be able to discern the gender by then, and know which of the chicks I will keep for my own flock. Sexed, weaned pullets should bring a better price than straight run chicks that still require some heat.

 

[dunnmom]

I had one hen hatch 11 out of 12 eggs. No way were we going to keep all of them. I gave her 4 chicks to raise, rehomed the rest. She didn't seem to miss the other 7 chicks at all. Maybe you could try something like that.

 

[Folly's place]

Hens don't count their brood, but depend on line-of-sight, and distress cries to find them. On the other hand, my bantam mamas raise twelve bantam chicks often!
Taking all of them is bad for mama, and I agree that older chicks will sell better, and it will be better for you to pick keepers.
Mary

 

[Dr.GarryTTucker]

Mr. Hlavinka I would echo everyone myself. Wait till they have weened. Momma will eventually stop taking care of them. That’s when I would sell them