New chicks in the pen

[bethsplace]

My Cochan mix decided to go broody on me! I tried to break her but gave in. since my rooster isnt old enough I found someone to loan me some eggs to hatch for them since I dont have room now for more. My question is, if and when these hatch how will they get in and out of the hen house I have the typical plank with strips on it will they be able to get up and down it with such little legs? and my second question is what age should I take the new chicks away from her to give back to the owner?
thanks Peep Mama

 

[Ridgerunner]

Welcome to the forum.

You'll be surprised at how well they will get around. Those short legs won't slow them down.

When you take them away is betwen you and the person you got the eggs from. I suggest you talk to them and discuss at what age they want the chicks. It sounds like you will enjoy having the chicks around so you might volunteer to keep the chicks until the hen weans them. It can vary quite a bit but I think 4 weeks old is a normal time for the hen to wean them. They are usually pretty well feathered out by then.

 

[bethsplace]

Thanks that was helpful and I appreciate your time

 

[Zahboo]

It depends. They can take them as day olds, after they are dry, or at 8 weeks old when they are fully feathered. It just depends

I can't be of much help on whether they can do ramps and such, mine are kept in brooders.

 

[bethsplace]

Thanks for your imput
Have a great day!

 

[cmom]

I have not hatched any of my chicks, but am considering it and have been observing some friends and neighbors operations. Some have hatched with a broody and some incubate their eggs. I am going to use an Incubator. One fellow keeps his chicks and broodies in a separate coops and runs (that go into a common fenced yard) until the chicks are 8 weeks. He has a setup where he can close off each run from their yard. He has several small raised coops with 4 nest boxes in them (2 on each end). It's a good education. Now that I rambled, (for my point) all of the coop have ramps and the chicks have no problems with them. Good luck and have fun.