1st in the main coop for Ma’am and babies. What do I do?

[doublecrossranch]

The chicks are a week old and have been in a brooder due to weather and mice (and me being nervous). I got her and babies in the coop but now what? Do I need to make sure they have anything? Do I need to separate them so she doesn’t roost? Ease my mind?

 

[Percheron chick]

Did she hatch them?
If she's suddenly not interested in the chicks, you have 2 options. Take the chicks away and raise them yourself or lock her up in a small dog carrier with the chicks and just leave them on the floor. Let her out of jail in the morning for some food and a dump and evaluate her commitment again.

 

[doublecrossranch]

She hatched them. She laid down in a nesting box. I had to put them up with her. It’s only 18” off the ground. Hopefully everyone is alive in the morning.

 

[Mrs. K]

She knows more about this than we do, let her do it her way. Interfere as little as possible.

 

[Percheron chick]

So she's not mother of the year.
They'll be fine for the night. I'd confine her to a box or crate for now. Keep the babies from wandering and force her to finish the job.
Chicks fall out of nesting boxes. The hen then has the delema of who to save. Usually it's the one on the ground who is screaming the loudest.

 

[doublecrossranch]

She knows more about this than we do, let her do it her way. Interfere as little as possible.

I’m over worrying. Thank you. Mrs K

 

[doublecrossranch]

I do I need to worry about them getting cold in the morning? She has them out and not covering them and it’s 48.

 

[aart]

So she's not mother of the year.

Ditto Dat.

She laid down in a nesting box. I had to put them up with her.

Not good sign. She should have nestled down on the floor somewhere and nestled them under her. Not sure what your coop looks like tho.

I have a floor nest for broodies.

And set up a creep feeder area for the chicks.

 

[doublecrossranch]

Ditto Dat.
Not good sign. She should have nestled down on the floor somewhere and nestled them under her. Not sure what your coop looks like tho.

I have a floor nest for broodies.
View attachment 2100365

And set up a creep feeder area for the chicks.
View attachment 2100370

What about the temperature and them getting too cold? It’s 54 now but it was 46 when she brought them out.

 

[Percheron chick]

How are the chicks acting? Are they chirping loudly, are they huddled on the floor or trying to chase mom? Does she stop and let them crawl under her when they come running?
Chicks should be out running around even in 48* weather but they only last a few minutes before they need to warm up.