Broody hatching eggs. Concerned about ramp.

[krodgers]

I have 2 broody banties hatching eggs. One chick hatched this morning. They are in their coop which is a couple feet off the ground. I have a ramp going to the coop. My concern is when she starts taking them outside. What should I do about the ramp? Will she teach them how to go in and out? Should I move them? Should I wait? This is my first time letting a broody hatch eggs.

 

[sawilliams]

That's pretty high for chicks. You could put some grip tape of some sort on the ramp to help them. If enough of the chicks can't get back into the copp the mom will nest on the ground with them so consider building a nesting box for the run to give mama a place to take the chicks and keep them all out of any weather that might happen

 

[sawilliams]

As for moving them there is some risk for the chicks getting down but for the most part by time she takes then out of the coop most of the chicks will handle a short fall with open wings. Though they won't have enough feathers it will still easy thier decent

 

[krodgers]

As for moving them there is some risk for the chicks getting down but for the most part by time she takes then out of the coop most of the chicks will handle a short fall with open wings. Though they won't have enough feathers it will still easy thier decent

So should I worry about them falling out? How long will she wait before she tries taking them out? Is it usually days or weeks?

 

[sawilliams]

Is food and water inside or out? If food is inside she may keep them in a little longer but typically she will stay getting up and moving around by day 2 or 3 depending on how the hatch went. She will likely want to go outside very soon. For the most part the chicks should manage the decent fine but if you are worried move them soon, perferably in the evening and after the last egg is hatched as you don't want mama to give up on a egg that's not finished. If you have to, and you happen to see mama in the run and some of the chicks trying to follow you could help place them on the ground for her. She will show them to some extent but for the most part she will let them figure it out on thier own.