It's a cold and windy day, chicks are 2 1/2 weeks old

[Suechick]

And mama hen has them outside. I'm so worried that the babies will get chilled. Anyone have some practical advice short of chasing them down and locking them up inside?

 

[Apyl]

Let momma do her thing. She's knows best.

 

[bawkbawkbawk]

My first time around, I raised four hatchery chicks in the brooder. I must have checked the temperature five times a day and I didn't let them go outside until they were more than a month old.

Second time around, my broody Buff Orpington raised the new chicks in the coop and I think she had them outside by the time they were a week or two old. I learned a lot from her! She knew EXACTLY what to do - it was pretty amazing to watch. And if one of them got cold, it would just snuggle under mama hen - she was the ultimate warm blanket!

And don't be surprised when they're mostly grown and she starts pecking at them - when she's done, she's done. She lets them know when they're on their own. I wish I'd had chickens when my kids were young - I think I would have been a better parent

 

[audrey02026]

My first time around, I raised four hatchery chicks in the brooder. I must have checked the temperature five times a day and I didn't let them go outside until they were more than a month old.

Second time around, my broody Buff Orpington raised the new chicks in the coop and I think she had them outside by the time they were a week or two old. I learned a lot from her! She knew EXACTLY what to do - it was pretty amazing to watch. And if one of them got cold, it would just snuggle under mama hen - she was the ultimate warm blanket!

And don't be surprised when they're mostly grown and she starts pecking at them - when she's done, she's done. She lets them know when they're on their own. I wish I'd had chickens when my kids were young - I think I would have been a better parent

I have my first broody and I just gave her some eggs a week ago....I can't wait till they hatch! I am going to have so much fun watching her take care of them.