SunnySideSilkies
Chirping
- Jun 17, 2021
- 19
- 85
- 62
You should be wary of leaving momma hen with the rest of the flock. Chickens can be brutal and it’s possible that some of the other mem ever of the flock might go after the chicks and momma can get caught in the cross fire trying to protect her babies. If your coop is large enough you can seperate her (dog crate) so that way she is still socializing with the other flock members but not endangering the welfare of the chicks. If your coop is not large enough then I’d suggest separating her completely (with her babies) into something that is chick and predator proof.
Usually hens care for their babies for about 6-8 weeks but if at any point she wants to get away from them, let her. If she’s done being a mom then let her be done, allow her to remove herself from the babies and if necessary take the babies and place them in a brooder with supplemental heat until they are old enough to be reintroduced. A stressed momma hen has the possibility of turning on the babies. Honestly I hope that you would be able to read their body language and behavior because there isn’t a 100% right and wrong way of going about this. If the chicks are in danger then by all mean remove them to a safe spot but if possible it is usually best to allow the hen to do what she does.
Usually hens care for their babies for about 6-8 weeks but if at any point she wants to get away from them, let her. If she’s done being a mom then let her be done, allow her to remove herself from the babies and if necessary take the babies and place them in a brooder with supplemental heat until they are old enough to be reintroduced. A stressed momma hen has the possibility of turning on the babies. Honestly I hope that you would be able to read their body language and behavior because there isn’t a 100% right and wrong way of going about this. If the chicks are in danger then by all mean remove them to a safe spot but if possible it is usually best to allow the hen to do what she does.
