How to raise Backyard Chickens: Re: [CHICKENS-101] Advice please: New Chicks

Thanks Susan, I was hoping to avoid taking them away from their mama. I
raised 3 Silkies indoors this past spring, and I'll do that again if I need
to, but I would rather let their mama raise them, if I can do that safely.

--Maureen

In a message dated 10/31/2011 3:25:43 P.M. US Mountain Standard Time,
susan7fleming@yahoo.com writes:

Sorry you didn't get any answers. If they were mine I would separate them
into a plastic container. I cut the middle of the top our and secure
chicken wire to the open area to provide air circulation and you can put the
heat lamp on the wire so it does't burn anything. Keep dad away! Mom will
be ok without her chicks and they will be ok without her. They will need
something on the bottom of the container because it is slippery. I use old
towels and take them out and wash them. Some people use straw or paper
towels. I prefer the cloth towels. you will need Start and grow to feed them
and they will eat all day! Fresh water is a must!

I would keep them inside until they are feathered out at about 6 weeks,
sometimes more. Cold will kill them quick and their temp needs to be 95
degrees for the first week at least and then take it down 5 degrees each week.
At least that's what I do and have been successful. During this time you
can get aquainted with them and that will help them to be calm chickens.

I don't know if this helps, but good luck! Susan