I definitely micromanage my flock more than you, Shad, but I can't free range them here. They have their 1/3 acre pen that I've put lots of plantings in, their run and their beloved Quince bush. They seem happy. And, yes, I designed a brooder with it's own run into the coop so that the flock can watch the chicks and mom has some space to start teaching them while they get strong enough to stick with her when I do open the door to the maternity ward.
She's bopping around with the others now. I think she is going to make it. I opened the door to the brooder run so Kerrie can take them out there if she wants to. I made sure there were little steps so the chicks can get in and out with just a little jump.
View attachment 2120253
She's taught them the baby bottle and, as it was with Barb, she feels scratching is the very first thing they must master. She's scratching like a mad girl in there!
She's working her way to the run.
View attachment 2120254
Both of the fathers were wound up this morning. Fabio had a go at the bottle brush, the poop bucket and the toe of my boot. After I caught him and sat on a stool with him, Cap came up and started to challenge him. Big brave boy thinks he's tough stuff while Big Daddy has both wings tied behind his back!
I think they are just acting more protective because of the chicks.