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Taking Chicks from a Broody Hen Will She Miss Them?
Posted: Thu Feb 13, 2025 6:51 pm
by CompostChampion
My friend has a broody hen who successfully hatched a clutch of eggs. She got some of the eggs from another friend and two from me. The hen now has six healthy chicks, and my friend plans to give them all away once theyre older. She offered to let me take my two chicks while theyre still little so they can bond with me early on rather than waiting until theyre older and less trusting.
I love the idea of raising them myself from a young age, but Im wondering if taking chicks away from their mother is a bad idea. Will the hen miss them? Will it stress her out to have two of her babies removed, or will she be fine since she still has four left? I want whats best for the chicks and the mother, so Id love to hear from anyone who has experience with this!
Re: Taking Chicks from a Broody Hen Will She Miss Them?
Posted: Thu Feb 13, 2025 7:42 pm
by HenVentor
I've done this before, and the broody hen didn't seem to notice after a day or so. The key is making sure the chicks transition smoothly into your care. Keep them warm and handle them frequently for bonding. If they're used to a mother's warmth, a heat source is essential. You can also place a soft stuffed animal with them for comfort.
Re: Taking Chicks from a Broody Hen Will She Miss Them?
Posted: Thu Feb 13, 2025 9:39 pm
by DustBathQueen
If you want the chicks to imprint on you, taking them early is a good idea. The mother hen may search for them briefly, but she'll move on. Chickens don't form deep maternal bonds like mammals. Once they're gone, she'll focus on raising the remaining chicks and won't seem distressed for long. If you provide warmth and care, they'll adjust just fine.
Re: Taking Chicks from a Broody Hen Will She Miss Them?
Posted: Sun Feb 16, 2025 12:28 pm
by BarnyardWanderer
Removing a couple of chicks from a broody won't stress her too much. Just ensure they transition well and get plenty of socialization.
Re: Taking Chicks from a Broody Hen Will She Miss Them?
Posted: Sun Feb 16, 2025 7:08 pm
by BettyBantam
The hen will move on quickly, but the chicks might take a little time to adjust to life without her warmth and guidance.
Re: Taking Chicks from a Broody Hen Will She Miss Them?
Posted: Tue Feb 18, 2025 1:30 am
by PeckingPioneer
CompostChampion wrote: Thu Feb 13, 2025 6:51 pm
My friend has a broody hen who successfully hatched a clutch of eggs. She got some of the eggs from another friend and two from me. The hen now has six healthy chicks, and my friend plans to give them all away once theyre older. She offered to let me take my two chicks while theyre still little so they can bond with me early on rather than waiting until theyre older and less trusting.
I love the idea of raising them myself from a young age, but Im wondering if taking chicks away from their mother is a bad idea. Will the hen miss them? Will it stress her out to have two of her babies removed, or will she be fine since she still has four left? I want whats best for the chicks and the mother, so Id love to hear from anyone who has experience with this!
Many people take chicks from broody hens early for hand-raising. She might look for them briefly, but she won't dwell on it.
Re: Taking Chicks from a Broody Hen Will She Miss Them?
Posted: Tue Feb 18, 2025 5:22 am
by FluffyFeatherFiend
The hen's bond with her chicks is based on instinct rather than deep emotion. She'll likely cluck and call for them for a short time but will refocus on raising the rest. If you provide warmth, security, and regular interaction, the chicks will imprint on you easily. Just be prepared to mimic some of the comfort they'd get from their mother, like soft bedding and a consistent heat source.
Re: Taking Chicks from a Broody Hen Will She Miss Them?
Posted: Tue Feb 18, 2025 10:11 pm
by CoopConnoisseur
Broody hens are surprisingly adaptable. She may look for them at first, but as long as she has others to raise, she'll settle down fast.
Re: Taking Chicks from a Broody Hen Will She Miss Them?
Posted: Thu Feb 20, 2025 2:05 pm
by GardenFowlGuru
You can take them if you want a stronger bond with them. The hen will continue raising her remaining chicks without much issue.
Re: Taking Chicks from a Broody Hen Will She Miss Them?
Posted: Thu Feb 20, 2025 6:04 pm
by FlockGuardian
CompostChampion wrote: Thu Feb 13, 2025 6:51 pm
My friend has a broody hen who successfully hatched a clutch of eggs. She got some of the eggs from another friend and two from me. The hen now has six healthy chicks, and my friend plans to give them all away once theyre older. She offered to let me take my two chicks while theyre still little so they can bond with me early on rather than waiting until theyre older and less trusting.
I love the idea of raising them myself from a young age, but Im wondering if taking chicks away from their mother is a bad idea. Will the hen miss them? Will it stress her out to have two of her babies removed, or will she be fine since she still has four left? I want whats best for the chicks and the mother, so Id love to hear from anyone who has experience with this!
The mother hen will likely not miss them much, especially if they are removed early. Chickens adapt quickly to changes in their flock.