Letting Hen and Chicks Out With Flock?

[The Chickens' Maid]

We have four chicks that are, at the most, five days old. Momma hen wants to get out of the kennel that we have them in, but we have so many mouse holes and things that they can get into in the coop. Will they stay close to momma hen, or will they wander around? I'm thinking that I'm going to have to make the inside coop and definitely the outside coop chick-proof.

 

[rooster-red]

They will stay close to mama, but at 5 days I personaly wouldn't let them out. I keep them confined until they are 3 weeks old.

 

[Bailey1234]

This is a pic of my hen with her chicks out on day 4. She has kept them safe, and made sure they were well fed. The only caution I have is to tell you not to try to pick up a chick, she may get a little upset. I have 3 roos, 30 hens. When she had them by the door of the coop the other hens couldn't get back in because she wouldn't let them get close. I had eggs all over the yard that day. Anyway, they have been out and about for a week now and are perfectly fine.

 

[Stef in Davis CA]

Yup, mine have been with the flock since day 2 (mama hen plus 4 other hens) and there's no problem at all. The other chickens were actually scared of the chicks! Some tried pecking at the chicks but failed cause the mama chases them off. Mama is the alpha hen, so that helps. Now they all steer clear of the babies, and the chicks are having a great time out in the run.