Momma's eggs hatched (in the nest box). Advice needed

[MI_Chkns]

Looking for some advice. I had a girl go broody in one of the next boxes. I left her there to complete the process. The last egg hatched last night and she's doing great. I can't leave them where they are because the others want to box, and it is about 30" off the ground. I plan to move her and the chicks to a small pen in the run. My question is should I leave the pen open so momma can come and go as she pleases? Or should I keep her penned up? I have a rooster that is awesome and I "think" he won't be an issue, but I'm worried the other hens may go in while momma is out doin her thing if I let her have free roam. I already had found one hen sitting on her new babies this morning and had to drag her out. Any advice appreciated.

 

[Mrs. K]

Usually, mine come off the nest by themselves in about 12 hours from hatching. I just make sure there is clean bedding on the floor, and she will make a new nest on the floor. I have tried to make just beautiful nests...and none of my bloodies have liked them, and make their own somewhere else.

So I would just let her do that. Then I do have clutter in the run. What I notice, is she takes them out to the flock, and stays between them and the flock. I just quit trying to control the process and let her manage it. She knows more about being a chicken than I do.

If they are not off the nest, go ahead and take her down, scoop of the chicks and put them down with her. 30 inch is nothing I have heard of chickens getting chicks out of a hay mow 15 feet in the air. I do set up water and feed on the coop floor, and make sure the broody sees it. But other than that, let her do her thing.

I do not have an elevated coop, where birds walk up a ramp to get in...My door is a few inches off the ground. I pile a few boards in front of it, and have never had a problem.

Mrs K