I have dilemma: I have a hen who hatched 5 chicks 2 weeks ago today. I also have 10 mail order chicks that were hatched 4 wks ago tomorrow.
I have a 12'X24' hen house which is divided in half. 1/2 has nesting boxes and roosting posts and a small door that opens to the outside for grown chickens to free range our 10 acres. The other half we call the nursery. It opens into a 6'X12' completely enclosed and secure yard. It is smaller roosting poles and 4 low nest boxes and plenty of floor space.
When Buffy went broody, we moved her to the nursery side. She and her babies are closed up at night, and during the day are let out to happily explore the yard.
The mail order chicks were raised until 3 1/2 weeks in a small brooder in the house, and were then moved to a larger brooder in the nursery. They can see out the door into the yard and can see Buffy and her babies. Since they are 4 wks old and are feathering out nicely, I would like to let them out to explore, as well (weather here in southern TN is now warm during the day).
So the dilemma is, can I let them out with momma and babies? Babies are significantly smaller than brooder chicks. I know momma will protect her babies but will there be problems?
Thanks in advance!
I have a 12'X24' hen house which is divided in half. 1/2 has nesting boxes and roosting posts and a small door that opens to the outside for grown chickens to free range our 10 acres. The other half we call the nursery. It opens into a 6'X12' completely enclosed and secure yard. It is smaller roosting poles and 4 low nest boxes and plenty of floor space.
When Buffy went broody, we moved her to the nursery side. She and her babies are closed up at night, and during the day are let out to happily explore the yard.
The mail order chicks were raised until 3 1/2 weeks in a small brooder in the house, and were then moved to a larger brooder in the nursery. They can see out the door into the yard and can see Buffy and her babies. Since they are 4 wks old and are feathering out nicely, I would like to let them out to explore, as well (weather here in southern TN is now warm during the day).
So the dilemma is, can I let them out with momma and babies? Babies are significantly smaller than brooder chicks. I know momma will protect her babies but will there be problems?
Thanks in advance!