Newbie: With Mum or without?

[claraserena]

Right now I have 5 4-6 day old chicks AND THEIR MOM (a very sweet Buff Orphington) in my living room. They are in a large plastic wading pool with a two foot high rim of cardboard around it. When she started setting I just could not let it all happen outdoors--it was in the teens at night and we did not have a way to pen her and the chicks away from the rest of the flock. At first in the house, I had a wire cage like thing over the broody as I was sure she'd run around but of course she didn't move. So right now they are all in, no cover. She has jumped up to the edge of the cardboard to look out but turned around and went back in. I put a 150 wt bulb over one end of their area and they all congregate there during the day--even though the indoor temp is 70. Yes, having a full grown chicken and chicks in the house is MESSY--mostly pine shavings everywhere. But seeing the chicks and mom interact is priceless. She is wonderful with them and they adore her. We have raised two mail orders of chicks (the mom was one of them) and watching this natural relationship between hen and chick has made me sure that if I had the choice I would let the mother raise them. I'm hoping it will make it easier when we introduce them to the flock once the weather is warmer.

 

[jimnjay]

claraserena, Your picture is so precious and a sight I wish everyone in the world could see. That is exactly why its best to keep baby with the mama. Thanks for Sharing

 

[robin416]

I watched one of my month olds try to get on his/her mother's back while she was standing up. Let's just say the peep never had a chance of making it that high. I do love that thing where all those little heads are peeping out from under Mom's wings.