will she be a bad mom?

[Triplecross]

I have a 7 mo old broody and am going to take the chicks away as soon as they hatch. My only concern is that the broody will refuses future chicks born to her because I never gave her a chance to be a mom her first go around.

Can this happen to hens?

 

[BorneHomestead]

curious to know why you would be taking the chicks away?

 

[cafarmgirl]

It will not have any effect on her next time if you choose to take the chicks this time around. In nature nests are raided and babies taken by predators, the mother birds still go on to successfully raise future hatches.

 

[Triplecross]

Thanks Cafarmgirl, that is reassuring. I didn't want to mess her up for future hatches.

BorneHomestead: I am taking the chicks away because it's Nov. and here in Michigan it's very cold. The hen may do a great job of raising them, but if for some reason she isn't a good mom, I don't want to run a heat lamp for months just for 3-4 chicks. Plus, I already have a buyer for the chicks.

 

[Ridgerunner]

It will not have any effect on her next time if you choose to take the chicks this time around.  In nature nests are raided and babies taken by predators, the mother birds still go on to successfully raise future hatches.

Just to reinforce this. It's good advice.

 

[BorneHomestead]

Thanks Cafarmgirl, that is reassuring. I didn't want to mess her up for future hatches.

BorneHomestead: I am taking the chicks away because it's Nov. and here in Michigan it's very cold. The hen may do a great job of raising them, but if for some reason she isn't a good mom, I don't want to run a heat lamp for months just for 3-4 chicks. Plus, I already have a buyer for the chicks.

That makes sense and this was good info to know as I have never had to do that but glad to know in the future if I have to it will be ok.