Do I move the mom and chicks after they are hatched?

[lissalischicks]

I put the eggs under my broody hen Mint on May 3 around 7pm. So I believe I am around day 13 today. I am not sure what to do after the if chickens hatch. ( I am saying if because this is the first time she has gone broody and you never know. I think she is doing a good job but if I keep my expectations low I won't be sad. ) she is sitting on 6 eggs.

So here is my dilemma. I did not move her from the nesting box and she is in the coop. After the chicks hatch where do I put the food .... can they walk down the ramp??? Should I move them. I would really like to keep them together so I won't have to reintroduce them. I have added pictures to see if they can help visualize. Any advice would be great.

Also can I candle the eggs at this point?

 

[lissalischicks]

Oops forgot the images

 

[lazy gardener]

I have a hard time visualizing your pics. Are the nest boxes elevated, or at floor level in the coop? Are there other birds in the flock? Generally, chicks may be able to get down from an elevated nest, but they will not be able to get back up. As for a ramp, it may be 2 weeks before they can physically master it, and even then, there is a learning curve. If there are other hens, you may have an issue with the other hens bothering or even trying to kill the chicks. It all depends on your coop set up, and your flock dynamics, as well as your hen's ability to fend off attacks from other birds.

 

[lissalischicks]

My hen would be a great mom and fend and protect well (at least I think). The nesting boxes are accessible through the hen house. They are level with the floor of the coop house but there is a step to get into the box. I have 6 other hens.

I guess concern is if they will not be able to go up and down the ramp then I need to figure out on moving them so they can be safe and able to eat. I cannot put food inside the hen house since the girls go there to roost and poop on night and there is not enough room to make an area for them.

Sorry the description of the pictures are good. LOL it make sense to me but i built it!

 

[lissalischicks]

Can I move the mom and babies right after they hatch?