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.

 

[Ridgerunner]

Each chicken has its own personality and each flock has its own dynamics. I cannot make any guarantees regarding chicken behaviors. Most (but not all) broody hens will protect their chicks. The more room Momma has the easier it can be for her to take care of her chicks but the individual broody's personality and the other members of your flock are also important.

I have an 8' x 12' coop and over 2,000 square feet available outside. I consider that a lot of room. I let my broody hens hatch with the flock and raise them with the flock from Day 1. I have never lost a baby chick to another flock member. Some people have.

To me there are two main advantages in letting the hen raise them with the flock. 1- She handles integration, I don't have to. 2 - She does most of the work in raising them. I still have to do some things but the workload is greatly reduced.