Will I damage her emotionally ~

[GaNewChick]

I have a *not tame* hen that has hatched 4 chicks in my pompous grass bush ... they look to be 3 or 4 days old. I need to get them from her and bring them inside. If I retrieve them when it is dark ~ what kind of effect will this have on her when they are suddenly taken from her. I do not want anymore *wild* chickens free ranging 24/7 not to mention with my luck, 3 of the 4 would be roosters.

Thanks!

 

[GaNewChick]

Sorry guys/gals ~ bumping ~ hoping to get an answer.

 

[JenEric Farms]

She will be fine. I would go for it.

 

[rancher hicks]

No. Chickens are animals and do not have emotions. I've had 4 broodies and they are all just fine.

 

[Katy]

As was already said...it's a chicken, they don't have human emotions. She'll probably look for them for a day or so, because of instinct.....nor because she's emotionally damaged.

 

[rancher hicks]

So I got out and take the hen at night and put her in the coop. Took the chicks and sold them. Up until then she wouldn't let you near them. That's why I did it at night. Next day she was fine. You wouldn't even have notices she was a broody. Only thing that concerns me is she may not go broody again. Then I'll be upset.
None of the broodies I took chicks from seem any worse for wear. Course they do walk around with chicky booties and have no idea why they were knitting them.

 

[jjthink]

She may be fine given the short amount of time she's 'known them' but chickens do of course have emotions!! Just ask my roo who was inconsolable when his lady love died. And nearly died himself, as he lost his will to live. There are countless other examples I could give that show clearly that they have emotions. But again, each situation is unique and it'll depend on the bird and the circumstances involved.
JJ

 

[usschicago1]

Quote:
I agree. It wont be as bad as when two chickens that have been together all there lives die, but shell be stressed for a few days.

 

[rancher hicks]

Quote:
Once again I should have read more clearly and I am again sorry. The op didnt' ask if chickens have emotions. That is clearly her OP that they do. To each her/his own. But I still say NO. Based on my experience.

 

[DianeB]

Personally, I would try to trap or somehow coax the mother into the yard along with ther chicks. You may not be able to completely tame her. But, its worth a shot if you want to a) not have her go crazy, die or starve and b) reduce the wild chicken population. If you leave her out there she will just hatch more eggs. It will be an endless cycle.

You can get live traps for cats at the shelter for a deposit. I am not sure but it may work for a chicken. Someone else probably has more experience with this. I've had to trap stray cats in the past, not stray chickens.