new mama and peeps

[mamabird]

I have a Buff Orp with 5 - 2 day old chicks. Right now, we have moved mama to the floor of the coop with the peeps. She is protective, fluffing up and "growling" but is in the coop with many other hens who are very curious about the peeps (a few are trying to peck at peeps if given a chance). My question - do I take the peeps and put them into a brooder? Or do I assume that mama will take care of things? I have heard things both ways. One person says that it is best if they stay w/mama and that they have never had trouble with other hens bothering peeps. Another person says that the hens will kill the peeps if given a chance. All the peeps look great and are starting to explore a little. Everyone is free range but are locked in at night.

Any suggestions for a newbie?

 

[johnny_smith09]

it would be smart to put them in a cage away from the other chickens. if you dont, the chickens will continue to peck when they get chance even if they get it from the mama. you can move them to a brooder but it will be taking them from their mom (you will have to separate them later anyway at about 6 wks).

 

[Scott]

Seperate the mama hen and chicks from the rest of the flock, so that she can care for them without the chicks being harassed by the rest of the flock.

 

[justusnak]

I agree with Scott.....seperate momma AND babies from the rest of the flock. Maybe you have a large dog kennel/crate? They would be safe in there. Make sure you give them feed and water....and maybe you can let momma and the babies roam the yard....without the others....if its warm enough. Good luck! Ohhh, and I would love to see pics....

I have 18 Buff orps....5 weeks old. First time for this breed for me.

 

[mamabird]

I do have a large dog crate, but my Lab is in heat, so we are using it in the house for her! I can put mama and peeps in our toolhouse which is adjacent to the coop, just need to get an area ready. Right now she is in the coop, on a floor nest that is inaccessable from 3 sides. At least that way she can see things coming! I'll get her moved today. How long before peeps start wandering...or do they usually stay close to mama? I've raised labs for years, and successfully raised 33 out of 33 McMurry purchased birds - but I'm a first time mama "mama"

The eggs she hatched were an assortment - 2 green eggs, 2 brown eggs and a white. We have 41 total birds (counting the peeps) - Buff Orps, Wh. Leghorns, Wh. Rocks, Barred Rocks, Blk. 'Lorps, Buff Minorcas, RIR, Aracaunas, and a Silver Penciled Wy. Roo'. It's a colorful variety, but the Buffs are my favorite!