Once again, this year I had a momma hen come strolling up with 10 baby chicks... this is the second year in a row that has happened. Suprisingly enough they are all doing fine. I don't know where the clutch was layed so I don't know if there were more eggs or not. Seems this hen, a barnyard cross will ever let me know where she lays her eggs. I have captured them and momma came willingly to me. We put them in a makeshift cage on the ground every morning and take them out at night in a long cardboard box that sits in my family room. At a week old they had full wing and some have tail feathers(almost 2 weeks old now). Question I have is when will momma start laying eggs again? I was thinking she was trying yesterday because she was really carrying on but when I separated her from the chicks she just got really aggitated. She could see them from the box but they couldn't get to her.

Tina, If you let her raise the chicks, she will mother them for about 5-6 weeks. By that time her system will get built up again for laying eggs. No, she is not likely to lay again after 2 weeks--5-6 is more likely. She was upset because you took her chicks. If they are warm enough, they will do just fine without her, and she will get over it in a few more days. Isn't it something how a hen can disappear for 3 weeks while setting, but always brings the chicks home when they hatch??? CJR

I am leaving them with her because I think its best that she teach them the ropes. When I move them in the house at night Momma comes with them... during the day she is out in the cage with them as well. Today its raining so its a good thing she is there to keep them warm and dry...

It truely is amazing that she does this... and more amazing that she did it to years in a row on the exact same day... Almost like she knew it was Easter and she should provide baby chicks. The kids love to hold them and she doesn't peck or anything except when the hubby gets near them or the dogs... I guess she "knows" who will be gentle with them. They are flying... I know not really flying but the kids say LOOK MOM the chicks are flying... up on momma's back and they think that is the neatest thing to see. What age should I plan on giving them a roost?

Tina, That is good, I thought you had taken them to raise separately. As long as they sleep under her, they will be happiest as long as they fit well! But even when you give them a roost (they might use one now just for fun during the day) some of the chicks will get under her on the roost at night, when, in about 3 or 4 weeks, they may have feathers enough to keep warmer and all roost together at night ! Such fun!CJR