My first newly hatched chicks. Need some advice

[honeyk]

My broody Buff Orpington just hatched 4 chicks and the nest box is about 2 feet off the floor. Should I just leave the babies with the mom and what is the next step? I've raised 25 2 day old chicks that I received in the mail and had no problem but I do not know if I just leave the babies with the mom or move them under a light in a separate place in the barn. Any advice would be welcome!

Also the other hens in the barn want to get in the nest with mom & babies. Help

 

[KellyHM]

You need to section off the momma and babies from the other hens. Dog crates work well if you don't have an extra pen. You also need to give them a nest on the floor so they don't hurt themselves. Other than that just leave it to momma...she'll keep them warm and teach them to eat and drink.

 

[honeyk]

How long do I need to keep them in the crate?

 

[KellyHM]

6-8 weeks or so. They can free range before that, but you just have to make sure the other hens aren't attacking them.