Taking chicks from Mama while the others hatch?

[Lamoor]

Just got a copy of the delightful book by Minne Rose Lovgreen, Recipe for Raising Chickens,
and in it she advises taking chicks from Mama Hen as soon as they hatch, to better allow her to focus on the remaining eggs;

and taking the chicks inside for a few days while this happens.

My broody is about to hatch a clutch of eggs starting tomorrow but the eggs were placed under her over a week's span (note to self: never do that again).

I candled them and they all are viable.

Has anyone else done this? I don't want to upset her but I know she could abandon the nest after the first few hatch, which would be such a shame.. and I don't have an incubator.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

That would be the best bet because after about 3 days she'll be forced off the nest to take the chicks to eat and drink.
An experienced bird might be able to do that and keep the remaining eggs viable but unlikely.
If I don't have the hen on a nest in their own quarters where I can provide what I want the chicks to eat and drink, I'll take them away anyway even though they hatch over a couple days.
You can get the chicks started on feed and water at the first opportunity.

 

[Lamoor]

thanks, that is helpful.

it is currently a heat wave here,
even in the house (no air con, only fresh air and open windows) so I am thinking I don't need to have a heat lamp for them, but maybe just a regular lamp near their box for lighting, and a tiny bit of warmth for the cooler nights?

I will be on pins and needles until they all go back to their Mama! I want her to raise them with my flock, it will be so cute to watch.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

They really don't need a heat lamp indoors. Just a regular 75 or 100 watt lamp. Even smaller if the ambient air is warm enough. Most people IMHO keep them too warm.
The only time I use a heat lamp is in the brooder house in cool/cold weather.
They just need a spot about 90 degrees and lots of cool space - just like a hen does it.