Will mother hen keep newborn chicks warm enough outside?

[jamie444]

I have a broody hen who's laying on 6 eggs right now. She started laying on them March 28th so we're expecting chicks in mid April. I live in northern NY so mid April temps are anywhere between 20 degrees (farenheit) at night and daytime highs in the 60s at most. We want to let her hatch and raise them, so what I'm wondering is - will they survive and be warm enough outside with her? They have a draft free coop, but I know chicks being hatched indoors have to be in very warm temperatures. Can the mother hen provide that same warmth this time of year? Thanks!

 

[Jensownzoo]

Yep

 

[azygous]

Broodies have been keeping chicks warm for thousands of years before electricity and heat lamps. Why stop now?

 

[jamie444]

Yeah, I know, I guess I'm just worried because it still seems so cold out. Thanks for the replies!

 

[MN Chicken]

We are in Minnesota, with daytime temps in the mid-30's and our broody hens keep their chicks outside at only a week old nearly all day long. When the chicks are cold, they will lie down for a bit, then get back to eating everything they see. They are robust, feathering quickly, and happy.