Mama and chick question

[seminolewind]

My chicks are 6 days old. They are in a 4x8 coop tractor. I leave the door open, but the chicks can't get out. Mama has jumped out today and took a dust bath, then went back in, then jumped out again. The chicks peepeepeep.
How long do Mamas care for their chicks? Should I close the door? The coop is all wire, with a roof, and sides that open up like wings to keep the sun and rain out.

 

[karrie]

My hens rejected their chicks at the earliest 5 weeks. It was hard on them, not understanding why their mother pecks at them & runs them off. Keep a watchful eye at that time. One of my hens killed a chick! Made me sick! Mine went back to laying pretty quickly after running them off.

 

[seminolewind]

Oh know! I don't know about mine. She is not agressive, and she was debeaked.

 

[PeeperKeeper]

I raised chickens 25 years ago and am just now getting back into it. My question for you is: 1. Is there a reason not to let chicks out with Mama? 2. Are you feed ing chicks seperately?
My vote is to let chicks run outside with Mama to be taught what to do in the bigger world.

 

[jessupfamily]

The mama will probably sit outside of the cage and call them and not understand why they aren't coming. Unless there is a great reason, they would be happier and safer out there with her. She shouldn't abandon them this early, but she might leave them behind more than usual if they can't come with her. The earliest I've had a mama kick her babies away was around 5-6 weeks.
Blessings,
Amy J.

 

[seminolewind]

Quote:
Thanks for the advice. I feed mom and babies chick starter/grower. They are in a 4x8 a frame coop. I'm going to change things around and secure the run tomorrow so that the chicks will be safe in there so they can go out with mom.