Taking chicks from their mother?

[SamJacobbe]

Hello, thank you for any and all help.


Here's the situation:


I have a hen that recently hatched out some eggs. They are about a week or two old now and beautiful, but very frightened of people. Their mother won't let me near them to play with them daily so I can't seem to get them to be more accustomed to people.

Well we are selling three of the chicks in a few weeks when the mother doesn't want them anymore, and the people are fine with them not being accustomed to people. Here's the issue, two of them we are keeping and I very much want to make them like people.



I was wondering if I would be able to take them from their mother now, and keep them in my room with me where I can care for them and love them all the time? Will it hurt the chicks or mom? Would the chicks freak out and die of sadness? I really want them to like people, but I would much rather them alive than dead.



Thank you for any and all help

 

[Judy]

I would not remove chicks from a mama. This can really stress them; they can even mourn. They only feel this bond for a few weeks as a rule. I have, however, forced the issue of handling the chicks with mama watching. She won't like it but it will be less hassle each time you do it. You might do better with a helper. Pet the chicks rather than pick them up against their will, or offer a goody on your upturned palm -- just a little chick feed moistened with water or yogurt is fine, or anything they will check out or eat that's small -- cut up berries or meal worms, etc. Maybe give mama a treat as well. Good luck!

 

[HathawayHens]

thanks for posting! I had the same question!

 

[SamJacobbe]

I actually removed them from momma and they are perfectly happy. They now hop on my shoulders and come when I sing hush little baby or due a three tune whistle. Their mom seems fine, it's funny how they are the two chicks that aren't the same breed as the mom. Must have something to do with that.



I had actually totally forgot that we had done this with our other hatched eggs, and each time the chicks and mother do just fine. The chicks actually love the one on one attention they get and are super pleased to be kept in a stable environment. I take them out daily into the grass to grab grubs and such and they follow me around wherever I go, sticking close if they are cold. I feel like a surrogate mother.

 

[kathyinmo]

I had a hen die from mourning when I took her chicks away. It was the worst thing ever.

 

[SamJacobbe]

Sorry, I meant to say aren't. They are the two that aren't the same breed as their "mother". She was pecking at them earlier and apparently didn't want them. They are super happy now and too precious.