When to take chicks from broody hen?

[bock]

I have a Jap. bantam hen with 3 chicks. They are about 2 and a half weeks old with wings, shoulder feathers, and the start of tail feathers. Every time I go in their pen the chicks scream and hide as mommy hen threatens to attack me. I was really hoping I could "tame" the chicks before I added them into my flock. Is their a good time to put mommy hen back with the flock and begin spending more time with the chicks?Thanks

 

[CoopCrazy]

If you are wanting to handle them i would say get the from mom ASAP.. The earlier you start taming them the better.. mom may holler for a day or two ..

 

[bock]

I would, I just feel SO bad stealing her chickies. She loves them.

 

[monicawilcox]

If left to their own devices, the mother broody will keep the chicks until they are 2 months old. Mine seem to send off the chicks almost exactly on the 2 month date. She will bring them with her into the main flock if you let her. Then the chicks have her to protect them from the other chickens, and by the time they are weaned the others are used to them being around and they are OK on their own.
My chicks raised by hens are not usually the ones you can pick up and cuddle. So if you want cuddly chickens I think you'd better take them and brood them yourself in the house. After a day or so the hen will forget about them and go back to the flock. She will start to lay again in 1-2 weeks.

 

[elmo]

If you take them away from the hen at this age, you'll need to fuss with supplemental heat. You could try sitting quietly in the run with treats to give to the hen, and that way the chicks will learn from the hen that good things come from you.

 

[Camelot Farms]

Quote:
My Jap bantams were THEE scariest mama hens! I swore never to let them brood again =/

Good luck!