Input on "chick nursery" in the coop when they hatch

[ColoradoChicks]

I've got a good mama sitting on eggs in the coop now. She took up residence in one of the four nesting boxes a little over two weeks ago and I got her six fertilized eggs, so I've got about a week to go to see if we (she) was successful. She was my least friendly hen and I believe at the top of the pecking order.

The nesting boxes are tucked under the poop board/roosts in the coop, and there's an additional 2x4 foot space under there too. I'm thinking about putting a low fence (one foot maybe) made of chicken wire in that area so she can get out and free range but the babies can't until they're older. I thought fencing so other hens (there's 8 others) can see and get to know the chicks.

Does this seem like it might work? The hen has been so good, I don't want to separate her from them or lock her up with the chicks and only let her out a few times a day (She's been sitting still for a very long time!) I know I risk another hen getting in that area when momma is out and doing harm. I know I risk an adventurous chick getting up and over and out the pop door for a too-early meeting with the pig and the goat in the barnyard. I guess I'm prepared for a little risk.

This seems like the easiest way with the least intervention on my part. Am I nuts?

 

[heatherscreations1969]

Hello babe, I have had 3 broodies hatch in the main coop last month and this month....I haven't treat them any different to before they went broody and hatched out babies....they all get on together, mama's look after and protect their babies and they have been bringing them outside from 3 days old....they just snuggle under mama when they are tired or cold and forage the rest of the time Oh and I have a Roo in the flock also and he has been watching over and protecting everyone

*hugs* Heather x

 

[ColoradoChicks]

Thanks Heather!

Here's Liberty, born on the 4th of July!


Currently she's the only chick from the six - two didn't make it and three are still no-shows.

I made a low barrier around the nesting box that will keep her from heading out to get stepped on by the poats (pig and goat!) for a week or two at least. Mama has been very protective, so Liberty's not going anywhere without her permission!

I appreciate you giving me the confidence to believe Mama Maude knows more than I do about raising chicks.