What to do with mom and babies

[Stacylynnlac]

I have a broody hen on some fertile eggs that are going to hatch in the next couple weeks. She is still in my small coop with her other hens (larger coop coming in a couple weeks) . once they hatch I’m looking to just keep them with everyone instead of removing and hoping mom protects them. My question is do I put food and water in coop with momma and babies in the laying area? ( always dark in that coop, it’s small ) or do I leave my feed and water outside and hope they can all get down the ramp to eat and drink? They are obviously going to be quite small so worried about them being able to get in and out of the coop. Moving inside is not an option, way too gross and dusty! Hoping to have their new large coop ready when they are a few weeks old, and move everyone in their new home.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Your chicks won't be able to maneuver that ramp until they are a few weeks old.

Have you marked the eggs to make sure other hens haven't kept adding them? Not all hens are good mothers so be aware that some will attack their chicks. Other hens will also attack and possibly kill wandering chicks.

I personally prefer to confine my broody separately for a better chance of success. Most chicks need about 1-2 weeks to get strong enough to keep up with mom and avoid other hens. Your coop looks very tight. How many other hens are in it? What are the dimensions?

 

[Stacylynnlac]

Your chicks won't be able to maneuver that ramp until they are a few weeks old.

Have you marked the eggs to make sure other hens haven't kept adding them? Not all hens are good mothers so be aware that some will attack their chicks. Other hens will also attack and possibly kill wandering chicks.

I personally prefer to confine my broody separately for a better chance of success. Most chicks need about 1-2 weeks to get strong enough to keep up with mom and avoid other hens. Your coop looks very tight. How many other hens are in it? What are the dimensions?

Your chicks won't be able to maneuver that ramp until they are a few weeks old.

Have you marked the eggs to make sure other hens haven't kept adding them? Not all hens are good mothers so be aware that some will attack their chicks. Other hens will also attack and possibly kill wandering chicks.

I personally prefer to confine my broody separately for a better chance of success. Most chicks need about 1-2 weeks to get strong enough to keep up with mom and avoid other hens. Your coop looks very tight. How many other hens are in it? What are the dimensions?

It is tight, that’s why we have a 9x6 shed/coop coming I have 7 hens

 

[Stacylynnlac]

It is tight, that’s why we have a 9x6 shed/coop coming I have 7 hens

And yes I marked the eggs and the other hens have moved to a different spot to lay their eggs until she’s done

 

[Stacylynnlac]

It is tight, that’s why we have a 9x6 shed/coop coming I have 7 hens

They also have a huge run so they are good until their coop is finished

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Since you are getting a new bigger coop I might pull mom and babies after hatch and keep them confined somewhere for a couple of weeks before reintroducing them.

Some have had good luck just letting nature take it's course. I like to stay ahead of problems. You can also wait and see, and go from there. Every situation is different.

 

[50-45-1]

I think this situation is going to lead to disaster.
The chicks are NOT going to be able to negociate the ramp at all.
To avoid a very heart breaking end of this story, move your hen and her eggs at night to a better broody location where she can be alone with her chicks 2 weeks without interfearance. Even something child playpen size will work.
The small coop shown might be an excelent broody hutch by itselfs after the other chickens are in the new coop.
Good luck to you!

 

[Stacylynnlac]

I think this situation is going to lead to disaster.
The chicks are NOT going to be able to negociate the ramp at all.
To avoid a very heart breaking end of this story, move your hen and her eggs at night to a better broody location where she can be alone with her chicks 2 weeks without interfearance. Even something child playpen size will work.
The small coop shown might be an excelent broody hutch by itselfs after the other chickens are in the new coop.
Good luck to you!

I’m just worried about taking her out and re introducing them, I’m afraid of them trying to attack her and the babies

 

[Ms Clucky]

I put mine in a small cage inside the coop so they can see the others until they are old enough to run.

 

[Shorty22366]

I let my hens raise their babies with the flock
I never move them somewhere else.
The rest of the flock helps the hen with the babies. Roosters and all.