Broody N new chicks! Big Q.

[horsechick]

Hi all,
Our first time broody hen just hatched 10 little guys for us!
Some were a mix of our Americana roo/ buff orp, barred rock, white rock pen.
The rest were mottled Cochins. They are all adorable!
We fixed her pen up outside with new shavings, and got it ready for them.
We put all out today.
Now they are in a nest box hiding under her.
Will they be ok outside?
They have her for heat. Didn't know if we should bring them in or not???
It may get down to 50 tonight?
Its been getting cooler at night and warmer during day.
Any suggestions?!
We have never had a hen hatch before.
Thanks,
Angela

 

[needmorechickens!]

I never hatched with a broody so I am not sure about bringing them in or not, but just wanted to say congrats on the chicks!!!

We do need some pics! Plleeeeaaaassee!

~Rebecca

 

[Southerngirl]

She knows EXACTLY what to do!! They will be fine with the temps around 50 at night. They stay pretty warm under mom.
Then when the ground is a little drier in the morning she will take them out in the yard. A broody is a beautiful thing!

 

[shelleyd2008]

Yeah, I have 2 hens with chicks now, and our temps are pretty much the same. The only thing I did to help mine out was to give them a 5 gal.bucket as a 'nest box' so there is only one place to get a draft. I will probably cover the cage with plastic if it gets colder, but all those babies underneath, with mama on top, should keep everybody nice n snuggly!