Going Natural

[LizsChicks]

I got my first chickens last summer so I'm relatively new to this process and now one of my hens has gone broody, she has 13 eggs under her and if the 21 day calculations are correct I should see her first babies on Saturday. I'm not looking to help along this process feeling that Mother Nature knows what she's doing but other than providing a clean coop, feed and fresh water for momma and babies is there anything else I should be aware of? Buffy (my broody) is my only Buff Orphington and lowest hen in the pecking order. I have 4 other hens and a roo (Black Australorp and RI Reds for hens and a Barred Rock for a roo). They all share the same coop but are free range all day until they put themselves to bed. They have a spacious coop and protected outdoor area but I let them out all day. I guess, after this lengthy post what I'm asking is, do I close the coop door and give her privacy with her babies and let the others stay outside, in a protected area with a roost) or do I REALLY let Mother Nature and Buffy figure this out and just let things roll?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I would confine her in some manner as other birds can kill chicks. I would also watch your broody as the chicks hatch as some will attack their chicks.

 

[Njroosters]

I allow mother hens to raise with the flock. Sometimes a chick dies but chicks also die in a human operated brooder. The mother hens do a great job raising the chicks and protect them with gusto. It is an amazing sight. Go for it. It will also save you a lot of work.

 

[LizsChicks]

I allow mother hens to raise with the flock. Sometimes a chick dies but chicks also die in a human operated brooder. The mother hens do a great job raising the chicks and protect them with gusto. It is an amazing sight. Go for it. It will also save you a lot of work.

Thank you! Less work is good and Mother Nature and Mommas usually know what’s best.

 

[Njroosters]

You are very welcome. Best of luck. And take lots of pictures. Watching a hen free ranging with the flock and her week old chicks is amazing.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I allow chicks to grow up in the flock too, but that first week it's important to make sure other birds aren't killing chicks or that chicks aren't being left behind, or being taken out in bad weather. Nature can be cruel as well as beautiful. It's my responsibility as a keeper to make sure things go right instead of just hoping for the best each time. Some hens are not good mothers.

 

[LizsChicks]

I allow chicks to grow up in the flock too, but that first week it's important to make sure other birds aren't killing chicks or that chicks aren't being left behind, or being taken out in bad weather. Nature can be cruel as well as beautiful. It's my responsibility as a keeper to make sure things go right instead of just hoping for the best each time. Some hens are not good mothers.

So do you recommend locking the others out of the coop at night for a bit? If yes, how long? (they are free range over the whole property all day but go in at night) they would still be protected in an enclosed area with a roost but would be outside.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

So do you recommend locking the others out of the coop at night for a bit? If yes, how long? (they are free range over the whole property all day but go in at night) they would still be protected in an enclosed area with a roost but would be outside.

I put a small fence around my broody and her chicks for a week or two. I wouldn't lock the rest out. Is your coop small?

 

[LizsChicks]

It’s big enough to do something like you’ve pictured. Thank you!