taking chicks from broody hens

[ferreterni]

When you use a broody hen for incubating is it ok to take the chicks away at a day or two old to rear yourself? or do you have to leave them with the hen?

 

[jakmallex]

You can do either. I spent the last 6 weeks raising 10 chicks in the guest room, so I decided to let my hen raise her chicks b/c I'm ready for a break. She is a very docile hen and lets me stick my hand right in front of her face and handle her babies. So I can still enjoy the babies, but I don't have to keep them warm or constantly clean their brooder. I probably wouldn't be able to take her babies away from her even if I did want to raise them in the house just b/c she's so attached to them.

 

[ferreterni]

would probably take them away then, used to hand rear parrots etc and there is a satisfaction to bringing them up yourself. thanks.