Silkie chicks - housing question?

[silkiechicks16]

Hi everyone

I am a first time silkie owner of two hens and one of which has recently hatched out two chicks ( they are currently 1 day old).

They are housed in a backyard coop that has two levels (one ground level, the upper level has a ramp to the top)

They were born on the upper level of the coop, inside the nest box.

I am wondering if and when I need to move the chicks down to the lower level? Or is this something they will do in their own time?

Currently I have the top level closed off so they can't fall out, and they have food and water in there for the mumma hen and the chicks. But I am wondering if the mother hen will want to get out and stretch her legs and eat with the other hen on the lower level?

Advice needed?

Thank you!!

 

[Cynthia12]

One day old is a bit early. Mom is probably still sitting on them. When she starts to get up off of them, then you can let her out for a bit..if it's nice enough outside.

 

[drumstick diva]

What is your weather like now? Baby chicks will not be able to navigate a ramp from top to bottom floor. If they get left behind, they could get chilled.

 

[Pork Pie]

Hello and welcome to BYC - thanks for joining us and congrats on the chicks.

Best wishes
CT

 

[silkiechicks16]

Thank you for your replies.

So I should just leave them shut inside for a week or so? I live in Australia where it is currently 33degrees during the day, so its pretty warm.

In your experience, will Mum taken them down when ready?

 

[Pork Pie]

When I've used broody hens to hatch chicks, I have moved mum and chicks to the floor level of the coop (I use a garden shed) immediately after the chicks have hatched. I've provided food and water, and then let mum decide when and where she wants to take the chicks. Usually they take them outside after a couple of days, in my experience.

As its hot down there at the moment, you may wish to take a look at this thread - https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/788391/keeping-chickens-cool-in-summer-heat

 

[N F C]

Congrats on your new chicks!

 

[redsoxs]

Greetings from Kansas and ! Pleased you joined our community! Best wishes and thanks for joining BYC!

 

[CuzChickens]

Hello there, and welcome to Backyard Chickens! I wish you the best of luck with mama and babies! I hope you enjoy BYC as much as I have!

 

[RodNTN]

Hi and

I am glad you joined us! Good luck with those chicks and their mama!