Transition Hen & hatched chicks

[Turkeymomma909]

Our nests are about 3 ft off the ground. We just had a hen hatch some chicks and I’m curious how long they are ‘safe’ that high and when I should transitions them to ground level? I don’t want to disturb any other eggs that might be hatching. Any suggestions on this would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Ridgerunner]

Welcome to the forum! Glad you joined!

I once saw a hen get her chicks out of a 10 feet high hayloft. She said jump, they did, bounced up, and ran to her. My hens hatch in nests 2 feet and 4 feet high above the coop floor. They have never had a problem getting their chicks down. You don't have to do anything. Broody hens have been managing situations worse than yours for thousands of years without human help.

 

[Debbie292d]

Our nests are about 3 ft off the ground. We just had a hen hatch some chicks and I’m curious how long they are ‘safe’ that high and when I should transitions them to ground level? I don’t want to disturb any other eggs that might be hatching. Any suggestions on this would be greatly appreciated!

Ours are a 4' off the ground with ladders (silkies). On day 3 or 4, she'll have them using the ladder, but our floor is horse bedding pellets, so a jump that much might injure or kill the chick. I've fashioned them nest on the floor inside of a cardboard box turned on its side with a food and water dispenser right in front. Then I moved mom, the chicks, and the remaining eggs. When she's done on that nest in a day or two, she'll have them climbing the ladder to go back to the original one at night. She gets a little upset but calms right back down once she sees her chicks and eggs are there.

For yours, the chicks can't jump up 3', so she'll use your nest or make a new one on the floor.

Welcome to BYC!