Chicks due to hatch this week - advice needed

[strong440]

Hi All, can anybody give me a bit of advice please?

I have 5 eggs under my broody which should be due to hatch later this week. I plan to put barriers to stop the chicks from getting out of the run but to allow the chickens (mum plus 2 others) to get in and out as they please, plus an area that the chicks can get into in case they get attached by the other 2 (although hopefully mum will protect them from this). My only queries are how high should I make the barrier (high enough so they cant jump over during the first few weeks) and in the first few days, will they be able to go up and down the ramp to the coop or should I put a barrier there too to keep them in?

Many thanks

 

[BorderKelpie]

What I do with mine is to remove mom and babies away from the other birds altogether. I have a tractor that I keep them in until they are about 4 weeks old. At that point, I bring mom and babies into the coop during the days and depending on how well Mama is doing defending herself and the chicks, I will either leave them locked in the coop or place them back in the tractor at nights. Mama and babies are going to be harassed by the other hens and Mama is probably a little thin by now from brooding. I do that just to give Mama a chance to pack some weight back on and to give the babies a chance to bond with her and grow a bit so they can handle a little abuse from the others.
Best wishes for a great hatch!

 

[busylizzie]

My broody and her eggs (due 20th) are in a separate nursery section of the run with its own little coop.