Surprise hatchlings

[StraightRun1]

Surprise ! I just went to lock chickens up for night only to discover my brooding hen had 2 babies under her and one breaking out of shell. There are 8 eggs under her but unsure if all are fertile.
My question is, I have to leave town tomorrow for 48 hrs, should I just leave them alone and not worry about other chickens bothering them ? They are in one of the nesting boxes. Or should I move them to a better protested area? Thanks

 

[Aunt Angus]

I always move mine, but I wonder if you can set up a partition around them? Mama will protect them, but I'm always nervous to leave them with the flock.

 

[Aunt Angus]

Oh - forgot to say congratulations!

 

[StraightRun1]

I always move mine, but I wonder if you can set up a partition around them? Mama will protect them, but I'm always nervous to leave them with the flock.

Thanks, I decided to just leave them the way they were, at least till I return tomorrow. I’m a bit nervous but I’m hoping they will safe under her for 1 more day. Then I’ll put them in a brooder.

 

[WIchickMama]

Congrats! Cant wait to see pics!

 

[StraightRun1]

 

[StraightRun1]

I ended taking them in when I returned. Felt bad for the hen but, they will be safer inside. I have so many predators in the area and too many roosters that I get nervous.

 

[BarnyardChaos]

I ended taking them in when I returned. Felt bad for the hen but, they will be safer inside. I have so many predators in the area and too many roosters that I get nervous.

The roosters rarely bother chicks, in my experience. They're more likely to guard them. Still... I too have lots and lots of predators and have lost entire clutches to hawks. I put all my chicks in the brooder and a separate coop, and only integrate when they're too big to fit through the holes in the chain-link fence. Sorry, mama hens. That's just how it has to be.