Can I take chicks away from their mother?

[chickens really]

Of course you can take them away...........But why?.....It is so awesome to see Momma raise them...They are much stronger and smarter........My Rooster and other Hens take turns caring for the Chicks...Its a great thing..

 

[song of joy]

would the momma mind if i take 3 or 4 and leave some? will the she let me hold her chicks to get them socialised with humans?

There are two competing, but compatible, goals when it comes to socializing: getting the chicks socialized with the flock and getting the chicks socialized with humans. I view the first as being more important because it's a matter of their physical safety. Mamma hen will ensure they safely find their place in the flock. Granted, hen-raised chicks tend to be less socialized to humans. However, that varies based on the temperament of the hen. If she was very friendly around you before, she'll be more inclined to let you hold her chicks. I've found that even aloof hens will warm up to me and lower their defenses if I bring the hen and chicks some scrambled eggs. Just be sure to move slowly around the hen and chicks so you don't appear threatening. Spend some time just watching and she will relax when you're around her and the chicks. She may not be wild about the idea of you holding the chicks, but after a couple days of it, she'll figure out you always release the chicks unharmed.

 

[chickens really]

My Chicks that are raised by Momma are very social with humans...Momma taught them to come running to me when I enter the Coop......My Birds all like me...I yell chick chick and all my Birds come running......... Mine are fantastic...I have more due May 2nd...Great hen..

 

[SueT]

If I had had a broody to raise my last chicks, I could have avoided a LOT of big hassles. The biggest being trying to integrate them into the flock, which began with building a temporary enclosure in the coop as well as in the run, then removing it later and watching the hens attack the pullets.....why go thru this if you have such a wonderful alternative a mama hen to do all the work.

 

[song of joy]

My Chicks that are raised by Momma are very social with humans...Momma taught them to come running to me when I enter the Coop..

....My Birds all like me...I yell chick chick and all my Birds come running....

..... Mine are fantastic...I have more due May 2nd...Great hen..

Good point. The chicks will tend to react to people the same way their mamma does, as they're watching her for cues.

 

[chickens really]

My Chicks that are raised by Momma are very social with humans...Momma taught them to come running to me when I enter the Coop.. ....My Birds all like me...I yell chick chick and all my Birds come running.... ..... Mine are fantastic...I have more due May 2nd...Great hen..

Good point.  The chicks will tend to react to people the same way their mamma does, as they're watching her for cues.  

Yes...Momma knows best....All animals feed off our energy...If we are hyper? So are they....Uf we are fearful they are Leary .......Calm and everything is great!

 

[STxBCG]

My broody is a sweetheart, she's one of the birds that likes to jump in my lap in the evening. Her chicks are learning from her and will crawl into my hand when I bring them treats. If I pick one up.and it starts to freak, mama will come running but, if I just let them do their thing, they're right with me and in my hand on their own. As has already been said, the chicks will react to you the way the mama does. If you have a friendly hen, then you'll have friendly chicks.

Even though I've been feeding, watering, giving treats to and holding the 4 week old chicks in the brooder daily, the ones with the social hen are more interactive with me.

Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

 

[chickymomma1234]

Ok, thanks for the advice. I've decided to, if a hen goes broody, let her keep the chicks and not take any away. i will send you guys pics of the chicks and momma if i get some (i hope i do)

 

[chickens really]

Ok, thanks for the advice. I've decided to, if a hen goes broody, let her keep the chicks and not take any away. i will send you guys pics of the chicks and momma if i get some (i hope i do)

Fantastic decision.........Everyone one involved will be so much happier!....The little Chicks and Momma thank you for sure!...

 

[lazy gardener]

So glad you decided to not intervene with this Mother and her babies. There is nothing sweeter than getting to stand by and watch a hen taking care of her little ones.