She just hatched 10!!

[Bitntwice]

Just had 10 hatched! Momma has been taking great care of them all. Problem: I have an additional 8 including a rooster. Momma has started to bring them out of the hen house! My chickens free range all day and only locked up at night. I leave the door open so my other hens can lay their eggs. I got so nervous I closed the door so the babies would not come outside because I have an inside/outside cat. What do I do??!! Please help

 

[oldwynooche]

My chickens are the same as yours, in the coop at night and free range in the day. Since the rooster knows the chicks, I think he'll protect them like he does the rest of the flock if he's around. Chances are though that he'll range farther than the chicks and they'll have to depend on the hen to raise any alarm.

 

[oldwynooche]

My rooster has an agreement with the cats....they don't even look at hens and he doesn't peck or spur them. Seems to be working.

 

[Bitntwice]

My rooster has an agreement with the cats....they don't even look at hens and he doesn't peck or spur them. Seems to be working.

 

[Bitntwice]

Thank you

 

[Bitntwice]

My rooster has an agreement with the cats....they don't even look at hens and he doesn't peck or spur them. Seems to be working.

Thank you

 

[oldwynooche]

Leon the Rooster explaining things to Morsel the Cat. Morsel backed down.

 

[Bitntwice]

View attachment 2140583
Leon the Rooster explaining things to Morsel the Cat. Morsel backed down.

Ha ha! I can only hope it goes this well. My rooster has turned mean towards me! He was no where near when the babies came out of the house so I close the run up! I was scared for them. Momma went back in with the other 9 and I had to put other one back in with her. I think she has more than she can handle!

 

[oldwynooche]

There's always a straggler. Our chicken door automatically opens in the morning and closes at night at times we set. However, at night, it closes, then opens for the straggler, then closes for the night. Sometimes we still have to rescue a late straggler.

 

[Bitntwice]

My chickens are the same as yours, in the coop at night and free range in the day. Since the rooster knows the chicks, I think he'll protect them like he does the rest of the flock if he's around. Chances are though that he'll range farther than the chicks and they'll have to depend on the hen to raise any alarm.

Why is he so mean though in the evening towards me? He tries his best when it's treat time to attack me when I put them up! I am ready to get rid of him... I am afraid of him around my grandson.