Ask Lafeber

Giving chicks to relatives

My couple had 5 chicks at what age can I give a couple of them to my niece please

Hi,

As soon as all of the chicks can leave the nest box, take it down. Otherwise the parents may try to nest again instead of weaning their chicks. Once they are eating on their own, separate the chicks and wait at least a week, to be sure they are fully weaned. Some chicks regress when taken from the parents. You cannot leave weaned chicks with the parents. If you keep any, you should not have males and females together. Likewise if you give any away, give away single chicks. Related birds should never be allowed to breed. The parents need to be rested for at least 6 months before allowing them to breed again.

Thank you for asking Lafeber,

Brenda