Trusting the mama, right thing to do?

[chikadeedoodah]

Hi there,
Our first time mama hatched 5 babies on Mother's day weekend. She already has the little guys outside and inside, and showing them how to do their thing. I see a lot of folks keep their babies inside for quite some time. I'm thinking since she is her own "heat lamp" and I don't have to do any of the brooding that I should just trust her instincts. Is that accurate? They look happy, eating, exploring. Although some of the other hens have put them in line a few times (I don't blame them I have one bossy chick that ran up to another hen and started fussing at her). Last night she couldn't figure out how to get all 5 up in the chicken ramp (she has a couple of uncooperative boogers), so I helped her out and brought the little ones up to her and she seemed appreciative (read: she didn't attack me).

So, do I just let her do her "thing" I feel like an over-involved mother-in-law... hovering like a helicopter.

 

[Young MacDonald]

Trust her. Hens have been raising their chicks for thousands of years. Our first broody hatched her clutch on April 8th, and she handled it all. Whenever mom feels like theh babies are cold, she will sit down and call the babies to her to heat them up, even if they are in the yard. If your hen has only 5 babies, she will be able to protect them from other hens in the flock so you'll be okay. Have fun watching the peeps running around and exploring!

 

[DAFox]

I currently have a Mama and 9 chicks born 4/21 in my fenced garden. Everybody is doing great. I use a rubbermaid tote (with a piece of plywood for an overhang) as a nest for them so they are on the ground. I keep my broodies separate from other chickens, so thst the chicks and Mama eat chick starter, while the others get layer pellets.
Dale-Ann

 

[MareeZoCool]

I do the same thing~ get involved every moment I think I'm needed.
I'm in Ohio, my hen hatched out her first brood April 22-24. in her outdoor coop! No extra heat source here, she's doing an excellent job, those 3 biddies are growing strong & fast!

 

[theFox]

Hover away, just let mama do her thing, they know what they are doing.

 

[chikadeedoodah]

LOL thanks guys. I've had so much fun watching her do her thing! I'm glad my nice broody hatched first. Next weekend "Mean Mamma" is due.... Hopefully I'll be tired of hovering by them. If not, I'm sure she'll put me in line....