Hatching Naturally - questions

[OHappyHens]

I have a buff orpington hen that went broody. She laid her eggs in our front yard. She has been setting on them and today the chicks hatched. We are concerned that they are in the front yard with no protection and kind of near the road. Can we and when should we move the chicks to a safer location?

 

[LRH97]

Yes, you should. I actually would have moved the hen before the eggs hatched. You could rig something in your garage with pieces of extra wood, or I use an old dog crate with my broody hens. Best of luck with your babies!

 

[sumi]

X2, rather move them as soon as they finished hatching. Chicks are very vulnerable to predators.