[Coeur de Chene]

One of next door's hens is sitting on 17 eggs in our barn, don't know since when. The neighbours have asked us to take the chicks as they have too many and there's a stay in hospital proposed soon.
I will do this time, but I'm trying hard to discourage their hens coming on our land. I'd rather keep our stock separate.
When and how should I collect them? I'd much rather the mother hen did all the mothering and would like to be forewarned so as to be able to agree the best time to get them, rather than them just being presented to me as they emerge from the egg. What's the best scenario?
We don't have gates as yet or budget for them til later in the year, their birds have complete free range so she returns home for food at the mo. Thanks.

[chrismahon]

Usually the mother looks after her chicks for about 6 weeks. Take them off her too early and they won't have heat they need, particularly at night. Make chick crumb available and shallow water tray, so they don't drown. Left unsecured in a barn the chances are rats will get most, if not all, of them. So they need moving once hatched into a secure unit with fine mesh, which is where they should be now ideally. It's OK letting nature take its course but be aware mortality rates are very high indeed. Our neighbour has been letting his do their own thing for a few years and it seems only two chicks have reached maturity.

[Coeur de Chene]

Thanks Chris. I think I knew this really, after all I've read since hatching our chicks in the incubator. Just a bit concerned about offending the neighbours by disregarding their advice after they've been so welcoming and full of info for us. However, it is our barn, and I have my own animal welfare rules to abide to! I'm just not a very forceful person and would rather have all the knowledge before making a point... I will go around for a chat later. Thanks for the message.