When do mama hens bring their babies outside?

[farmgirlsomeday]

The weather here in TN is very pretty right now. My Silkie just hatched one (yes only one made it) very pretty chick, and I am wondering when she might feel ready to bring her baby out of her secluded nesting hutch into the larger chicken yard to peck around with the other hens. She's free to come and go from the hutch as she chooses; it's just set up to give her some space and privacy while she was setting on the eggs, and now that they've hatched, there is fresh water and medicated chick starter feed inside the hutch in there for her baby chick. Do mother hens usually keep their chicks indoors for a while before they bring them outside?

 

[howfunkyisurchicken]

I'm in the same boat, a Silkie hen with one baby. Anyway, my hens usually keep them inside for 3 or 4 days before they bring them out. My first time moms usually wait a little longer. Mine brood in a cage on the coop floor, I just leave the door open so they can make their way out when they're ready. Good luck

 

[bucky52]

my first time mama.waited a week.and stayed close to the run door.

 

[AmericanMom]

I had one that waited a week and then two that only waited a day after leaving the nest... I allow the Momma's to decide for themselves since they all free range with the rest of the flock (42 strong) plus geese and turkeys... A good broody will protect them if needed but generally my broodys tend to keep the babies on the outskirts of the flock for a week or so.