I have a broody hen that is setting on maybe 5 eggs. Thats fine we want more anyway but this is my problem.... We are going on a 2 week trip at the end of May and all the chickens will be pined up together. I really can't separate the mama from the others for this 2 weeks. Will she be able to keep her babies safe from the other chickens in the pen? She is 2nd highest in pecking order if that makes any difference. The chicks will be about 1 month old when we leave. Should I let her sit on the eggs or should I take them from her? WWYD?
Caren
I have a "what would you do" kind of question....
I'd leave them. I had one hatch Jan 2, with a Silkie Mom, and three on Jan 21 with a bantie Cochin Mom. They did fine even among the mostly full sized flock. My only concern is if they don't have enough room. Mine mostly free-range, and are not in the coop during the day. The "littles" stay in and very close to the coop, which may be why they did so well.
I agree with Catmad totally, When mine are hatched out by a broodie, she will generally watch out for them very well even amongst the mature hens. That would not be acceptable if the little ones did not have a broody watching over them. Without a mother watching out for them they would be destroyed most often. Moms know how to send a message. "Don't mess with my babies"...LOL
The pen is pretty big 16ft x 16ft. There are 6 standard chickens and my 3 mini Cochins. This will be her first time as a mom so I hope she will be a good one!
Thank you all for your help!
Caren