Raising chick in closed coop or in box on ground?

[FredL]

Ladder shown opened/down inside the little 'run' under the nesting area above.



Broody hen adopted three day-old chicks last night. This photo was taken this morning. Then hen and chicks are in the top of a small A-Frame coop, safe and sound. There are two small skylights and some ventilation but otherwise no openings. There is a ladder part of the floor which, when opened is a short ladder to the ground below. Should I leave the ladder open during the day for momma hen to go up and down? The two inch high cross barrier you see in the photo will keep the chicks from venturing while mom's away, at least until they're a little older. Should I move everyone into a crate and put them in the lower part, which is covered in chicken wire but a little less secure otherwise?

 

[curious chickee]

I would leave it down during the day.