Kimbristow
In the Brooder
- Mar 25, 2015
- 23
- 3
- 26
My mother last year left a mother and her chicks with the flock and all the chicks were killed by the other hens, yet I myself have left the mother in the flock with no problems.
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A lot has to do with flock dynamics and where the momma was in the pecking order before she went broody. If she is up pretty high, then others will not want to cross her. If she is low, then that status is handed to the chicks as well. That is why I have a brooding area ready for my silkie. She is my broody but she is really low in the pecking order, as well. I'll have her a nice run to raise her babies just to be safe.My mother last year left a mother and her chicks with the flock and all the chicks were killed by the other hens, yet I myself have left the mother in the flock with no problems.
What mama kate said, plus...
They can go outside at anytime as long as your coop is draft free and predator proof and you are able to keep it at the temp. needed per their age. Not everybody broods chick in the house. I hate to sound like a broken record, but I think the fact that alot of people believe they have to be brooded in the house discourages them from owning or adding to their flock.
I didn't brood my chicks in house and won't brood any future chicks in the house. As much as we love our chooks they are livestock. In the good ol' days mama hen hatched the chicks in the coop and they were raised with her as part of the flock.