new chicks

[Rick589]

So, broody hen hatched three eggs, two survived. We are now in day two and the chicks and mother seem to have left the nest box and the three of them have been running around the coop. I placed food and water in for the chicks and a bit of a ramp from the coop floor to the nest box. We are watching to see how things go but my question is: should we just let them go the way they want to go? Or, should they all be froced into some form of isolation? All the chickens are BO’s, 4 hens and 1 rooster, and there is not one single incident of any conflict noticed. Everyone seems as though nothing is new and the new mother is being quite attentive.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

If there's no conflict and chicks are keeping up with their mom I would watch and see how it goes. You don't need the ramp as they won't return to the nest box and will sleep on the floor until the chicks are a bit older. Confining them all will make their chances of survival better, but isn't necessary if they can get to the food and water, and can't get into any trouble.

 

[Rick589]

If there's no conflict and chicks are keeping up with their mom I would watch and see how it goes. You don't need the ramp as they won't return to the nest box and will sleep on the floor until the chicks are a bit older. Confining them all will make their chances of survival better, but isn't necessary if they can get to the food and water, and can't get into any trouble.

Thank You for responding. Guess my only other concern was that the coop is elevated and, of course, the door is open all day. So, I’m waiting for the day the chicks tumble out of the coop and into the run. Depending on how far along they are they may not be able to go back into the coop.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Thank You for responding. Guess my only other concern was that the coop is elevated and, of course, the door is open all day. So, I’m waiting for the day the chicks tumble out of the coop and into the run. Depending on how far along they are they may not be able to go back into the coop.

Than you definitely need to confine them somehow for a week or two, and you may need to make sure they get up into it after when you let them out. Chicks need a week or two to gain strength and size and than seem to do fine after that, and should be able to figure it out.

Another option is to move them down in the morning and up in the evening.