Trying to tame and raise rescued game chicks and mama

[vikingchickens]

I would do as the others say also placing them all into the coop and spending as much time as you can with them. You may want to put a run also around the coop and make it predator proof using hardware cloth. Make sure there is also a top on it so the possum don't get any more of the chicks. It knows they were there and can come back. So you want to make sure the coop and run is very secure. Best of luck.

TY for the warm welcome and advice about the possum. we have heard about aprons for predators but have found none at local feed & supply stores. bought 20 feet of hardware cloth but no stakes that seem predator proof. am thinking of checking camping supplies for metal tent stakes...does this sound appropriate. only other idea is one row of cap block to elevate small coop and another circle around on hardware cloth to anchor wire. any input?

 

[Peace Love Hens]

TY for the very nice welcome and info they love mealworms and sunflower, pumpkin seeds (hard to find raw so limit roasted) also love corn on the cobb and fruit. They will take the seeds and mealworms and berries out of my hand including mama "grouse". we are now waiting for Irma to pass and so they will be in house 3 weeks before moving to 80 inch by nearly 2 ft. enclosure including run. This will be fine for only this mom and her 3. Have a lean to built againt side of house. Plan to close off one open side and somehow entice more of wild flock to take shelter at nights and possibly when brooding. Game hens are not too keen on having their eggs gathered from nest outside coop. We figure this is why first group of seven siblings left over year ago.

These are plans...your input makes this plan come into fruition...keep sending the fruit of your experience...knowledge and great advice/insight!

That is wonderful! How old are your chicks? Continue doing all the great things that you are doing and you will definitely see success. If they are in the house (I'm assuming they'd be the only animals?) you will surely be able to interact with them a lot more which will help greatly. As for the egg collecting, (I am no game bird expert so please don't take my advice too seriously until you've heard from someone who has more experience) I'd try placing wooden eggs in the nest and removing the real eggs.Hopefully she'll think that you are just putting more eggs in the nest. You can also try feeding her some of her favorite foods while taking the eggs, kind of like an exchange. Best of luck!