When should let them run around with there mom

[GooseBee]

I have 8 baby chicks. Anyways this batch the hen is actually good mom, when should I start letting them roam my backyard because there getting out and want to explore. And I know some people let they mom hen and babies out to roam in ther backyard. Also chicks stay close cage they stay in. So will hen stay close to area? If I let. Both of them out. I did this this for them picture down below. But still wonder when can I let mom and baby out to roam around

 

[CherishedFowlGuardian]

I wouldn’t let them out with the flock until they are big enough for for them to defend themselves. I let my broody hen with her chicks out to early and one of the chicks got eaten by a snake.


I don’t know if others have a different opinion though but that’s my opinion.

 

[NatJ]

I have 8 baby chicks. Anyways this batch the hen is actually good mom, when should I start letting them roam my backyard because there getting out and want to explore. And I know some people let they mom hen and babies out to roam in ther backyard. Also chicks stay close cage they stay in. So will hen stay close to area? If I let. Both of them out. I did this this for them picture down below. But still wonder when can I let mom and baby out to roam around

If the chicks are getting out of the cage, but the hen is still in, I would consider that more dangerous than just letting them all out.

A hen out of the cage can protect her chicks from some things. A hen in the cage cannot protect a chick from anything, if the chick is outside the cage.

 

[Debbie292d]

Hens will take care of their chicks. This batch we have in a breeding pen and are in with a couple of roosters and another hen. Roosters will help defend them too. I laughed at my roosters when taking this picture as they were looking at me as if they were asking, "Why me?"



Usually, they could free range, but that's before we had these pens, so figure this is a little safer until they're a few weeks old.

 

[AshVau22]

I always let momma make those decisions. I don't get involved unless the hen is a worthless mom. Normally around day 3 the momma's will bring them out to induce everyone. Hens will return to the spot they hatched the chicks at night like a coop.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Yes, trust mama hen. That's her job. You may have some losses but you can't do as good a job as she can.