Our eggs are hatching, we're not sure what to do here

[RW1984]

Thanks for the responses guys, seems like the most natural order of things is to leave the chicks with Mom, put some starter food in with them, separate the rooster just in case...and help the chicks find water, despite mom's objections...once they've started leaving the nest anyway. Once mom has decided they've all had a chance to hatch.

I’d leave the rooster with them. It’s doubtful he will hurt them
And if he tries the mother will rip him a new one
Just give food and water and leave them all together in my opinion

 

[ILoveBabySilkies]

Thanks for the responses guys, seems like the most natural order of things is to leave the chicks with Mom, put some starter food in with them, separate the rooster just in case...and help the chicks find water, despite mom's objections...once they've started leaving the nest anyway. Once mom has decided they've all had a chance to hatch.

Do not remove the rooster unless he really hurts the chicks which he will not, if you remove him once you put him back in and the chicks are older it will be even harder for you than just leaving him mom will protect them with her life.

 

[MarkJr]

Leave them be. Watch in 24 hours for mom to move off nest. Clean box while she’s out and provide a spot to let her nest chicks at ground level. I have to teach each set what a ramp is, or stack blocks next to it so they can jump up into coop as momma is calling them.
Past that, momma will show them everything they need to know.
I move whole flock to 24 percent crumbles with oyster on side for those who need it.

 

[MarkJr]

My cockerel tidbitting two day old chicks. I think you need to observe your roo and make a judgement call.

 

[CHlCKEN]

The roo will not kill them I’ve never had or see a roo kill his own chicks he just knows those are his offspring he would not kill his own genetics that would defeat the whole purpose of him wanting to mate.

He will not know that, and he WILL kill them. Please do not give false advice and put these chicks in danger- some will kill but others won’t so best to be on the safe side

 

[RW1984]

He will not know that, and he WILL kill them. Please do not give false advice and put these chicks in danger- some will kill but others won’t so best to be on the safe side

You are assuming that her rooster will kill them. These are flock birds, they have nature driven instincts to propagate.
I’m going to go on a limb and guess you had a rooster kill some chicks?
If so, just because yours did, does not mean that another will.
Roosters have varying personalities.
The general consensus from the majority of the posts seem to say leave the rooster in and watch and make an informed decision. Yours is like the only one that’s Adamant her rooster will kill the chicks.
It’s unlikely the Roo will harm her new chicks
But guess what, that’s what the mother hen is there for. To guard and protect her babies. Oh an so is the owner who I’m sure will watch and decide what to do based upon their roosters temperament and actions

 

[Jehosaphet]

Just an aside here...the other hen has suddenly become quite docile...seemingly since right about the time the eggs started hatching.
She's just been standing in place inside the pen...I was able to just walk right up to her and pick her up. She looks out of it...phased somehow, just a wild shot here wondering if that could have anything to do with the chicks hatching. Never seen her like this before.

 

[ILoveBabySilkies]

He will not know that, and he WILL kill them. Please do not give false advice and put these chicks in danger- some will kill but others won’t so best to be on the safe side

I am not giving false advice and I know that it’s not a 100% chance he won’t hurt them that is why I said OBSERVE him and if he does (which is very unlikely) take him out. Just because your rooster has that does not mean every rooster will I like that you are being on the safe side but this does not mean everyone needs to think that they’re rooster is a danger to his own chicks.

 

[MarkJr]

Other than staying well away from broody Bertha, mine never really changed their routine.

 

[ILoveBabySilkies]

Other than staying well away from broody Bertha, mine never really changed their routine.

Agreed, the other hens should not really have a sharp change in personality/daily routine.