Need Advice from the experienced hatchers!

[5Chances]

Hello! Looking for advice/opinions… (a little backstory,) I have had chickens for about 15 years now… I have bought and raised plenty of chicks…My hens have never been broody, which was fine and I have kept few roosters over the years. I have never kept roosters because the ones I’ve had have been aggressive but we ended up with a rooster from my neighbors place seeking a better life here. HOWEVER, last night we discovered a hen actually hatched her eggs she was sitting. We didn’t even realize she was sitting until about 1.5 weeks ago and so we just let nature take its course… 9 chicks later it has

I’m happy about it but the problem is I let my crew free range during the day (we live on about 35 acres), We have an enclosed coop and everyone stays up at night. I have 6 cats, and all the critters you would expect - possums, raccoons, snakes etc-

My husband and I truly think the best chance for survival is that we take the chicks away from Mama and raise them as we have all the ones we bought. I feel bad about this (please don’t laugh!) it feels kind of wrong!! But we aren’t really set up where they would be naturally safe.

What are your thoughts on what’s best for the babies? I truly want them to survive. I’m just not sure if staying with their mama is for the best. Thank you in advance.

 

[Penpal]

Mama hen will protect her chicks. If you are concerned you can set her up with a couple of her friends in an outdoor pen for a couple of weeks.

 

[happybooker1]

My grandmother had a flock of white leghorns for multiple decades. She let her hens raise the chicks and did so successfully. I've been "in" chickens 20 years (off n on) n my son's been 'in' chickens about 5. Never have our hens(4 to date) raised babies successfully. They all disappear before 1 week old. Take from this what you will.

 

[Ridgerunner]

My husband and I truly think the best chance for survival is that we take the chicks away from Mama and raise them as we have all the ones we bought.

You have enough experience to have a pretty good idea what will happen if you brood them and integrate them yourself. You do not have any experience with a broody hen.

I have about equal success whether I use a broody or do it myself, but your flock, situation, and experience is different from mine. In your situation I think you will rest easier if you raise them yourself. At the end of the day I don't think it really matters to the chicks. When they grow up they will be chickens.