Silkie Surrogate

[AMont17]

After several episodes of my Silkie going broody, I gave her (6) mixed eggs (few different breeds from a neighbor) and she has been dedicated so far and it appears that all (6) are developing from what I can tell by candling. This is my first experience with this and I’m wondering if I need to separate her from the rest of the flock (5 others) when it’s close to the 21 day mark? I’ve read mixed reviews on confining the hen and the eggs/chicks when they hatch to a different area. Ideally I would love for her to be able to stay in the coop & run with her newly hatched babies if it’s safe. All options are welcomed! I want what’s best and safe for momma hen and the chicks.

 

[Sussex19]

What I do, is just find a bit of netting the right size to go over the front of the nesting box, just for while chicks are hatching.
After that, I will take it off so mummy hen can go out with the rest of the flock.
You don't want to try actually moving her at the end, because there is always a fairly good chance that she will abandon them.
If you had wanted to move her, you should have done it before giving her fertile eggs

 

[AMont17]

What I do, is just find a bit of netting the right size to go over the front of the nesting box, just for while chicks are hatching.
After that, I will take it off so mummy hen can go out with the rest of the flock.
You don't want to try actually moving her at the end, because there is always a fairly good chance that she will abandon them.
If you had wanted to move her, you should have done it before giving her fertile eggs

Thanks for the reply! My intention was not not move her at all but after reading that some people do I started to question it. So after they’re done hatching do you think it’s okay if they’re up and moving around with the rest of the flock?

 

[Sussex19]

Thanks for the reply! My intention was not not move her at all but after reading that some people do I started to question it. So after they’re done hatching do you think it’s okay if they’re up and moving around with the rest of the flock?

I think so, and all mine are with the others as soon as they leave the nest.
The worst that has ever happened is a mild peck to a chick, and the chick has never been hurt by another hen or rooster.
But it does depend on the other members of the flock, so if this is their first time with chicks you might want to keep a bit of an eye on them.
If you do need to move them, do it ones all the chicks have hatched, as I have never ever had a problem with broody hens abandoning chicks, vs eggs when most of mine do.