Separating babies from Mom

[Somshine]

You can do this whenever you want, but make sure that your neighbour has everything set up and ready for the chicks prior to removing them from momma hen :
Chick starter feed 18-20 % protein, brooder box of appropriate size, heat lamp, chick water dispenser, old sheets for the first week, then proper bedding etc

Yeah she has chickens and pigs and a goat and turkeys so she's definitely prepared! That's why I felt like I hit jackpot when she said she like to have my mutts!

 

[Somshine]

If you want to pick the ones that should stay with you, put them back under momma when all are removed.

I would keep at least 3-4 so in case of accidents there will not be a single chick left.

Four is too many. But you're right, maybe I should do three instead of two

 

[Somshine]

I just didn't know if it would be more stressful the more bonded they became or more stressful the closer to hatching. I was even prepared to put them in my brooder if it was better to take them early because I definitely need them to go. Luckily it didn't come to that because she's ready to roll when I am! I don't think she wants them older than this weekend though.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

You can take them at anytime. They will require heat for a while.

 

[Somshine]

Actually the only day she can't take them is today because she's in the hospital having her baby. But her husband deals with this stuff anyway. But he'll be there too. So if earlier is better I'll probably take them tonight and put them in my brooder till tomorrow. If y'all think it would be better to wait till this weekend I can do that too. Which one would stress mom and babies out more?

 

[LaFleche]

If you wait a few days they will all know how to eat and drink on their own as the momma hen teaches them from the start.

Otherwise you would have to teach them yourself and make sure they know well.

 

[Somshine]

If you wait a few days they will all know how to eat and drink on their own as the momma hen teaches them from the start.

Otherwise you would have to teach them yourself and make sure they know well.

I don't mind doing that, I've hatched plenty of my own this is just the first time I've let a hen do it. My main priority is the least stress on mom and babies. I have no idea if sooner or later is better?

 

[Somshine]

She just turned 1 and is being an amazing mama though! Luckily she chose to stash her secret away in the old coop we don't use anymore because we keep the nest box hay under it. All I had to do is close the door. They are just 24 hours old. Some of them not even quite. She's already taught them where the food and water is. Forgive the pictures, the black of a cemani, bright sun and covered areas were more than my old Samsung could handle lol!

 

[LaFleche]

I don't mind doing that, I've hatched plenty of my own this is just the first time I've let a hen do it. My main priority is the least stress on mom and babies. I have no idea if sooner or later is better?

When all are hatched and dry and well on their feet moving about and eating before taking them away.
Second or third day after hatch should be fine.

 

[Somshine]

When all are hatched and dry and well on their feet moving about and eating before taking them away.
Second or third day after hatch should be fine.

That's what I'll do then! I'd also like to move her and the rest. The reason we abandoned that coop is because it's on our upper deck behind my husband's shop. Our yard coops are much better covered by our LGD. That's snake territory out there.