Natural breeding thread

[Perris]

1) If we open the crate during the day after the chicks hatch is there any danger of them wandering into the run on their own or will she keep the chicks inside the crate with her?

she will probably bring them out with her during the day

2) Is having her in the confined space of the crate setting her up for confrontations with other flock members who might go inside to check out the new chicks?

that won't arise if you open the crate door. As you've explained it, the crate is only for protection against night time visitors. So I would have the crate door open all day every day before and after hatch. Treat the crate door like the pop door to the coop. Keep the food, drink, dust bath etc. outside the crate.

Other flock members will be curious and will want to meet the new flock members. They will hear the chicks cheeping before you do and may even hang about nearby waiting for a glimpse. But in my experience they will not harm the chicks. And if the broody thinks one might, she will deal with it more appropriately than you or I ever could.

Is there anything else I should be taking into consideration?

I would urge you to try not to interfere. She instinctively knows what she's doing. Just sit back and enjoy from a distance.

 

[BDutch]

Good answers Perris.
Only want to add a few questions/things.

How big is the maze of the dog crate. If tou lock them up in there at night and the tiny fluffy chicks can walk through this is a hazard.

Just look what is happening after the chicks hatch. How the hens and the broody/mother interact and how well she raises the chicks. So lovely to see. Unfortunately not all hatches /mothers do well. I think its best to interfere when/after you see things go wrong.

 

[EmmaDonovan]

Good answers Perris.
Only want to add a few questions/things.

How big is the maze of the dog crate. If tou lock them up in there at night and the tiny fluffy chicks can walk through this is a hazard.

That's a good question. We've used this dog crate for chickens before. We covered it in 1/2" hardware cloth to keep out snakes, squirrels, etc. Chicks won't be able to get out.

 

[hammyanne]

Update on mama: she’s showing the babies around the coop! Thanks for all the advice!

https://imgur.com/a/PAfiJPd

 

[EmmaDonovan]

How does feed work when you have a mixed flock of chicks and adults? Do you just put everyone on chick starter?

 

[Pigeony]

 

[hammyanne]

How does feed work when you have a mixed flock of chicks and adults? Do you just put everyone on chick starter?

It was recommended to me to put everyone on chick starter if the flock is mixed!

 

[BDutch]

Update on mama: she’s showing the babies around the coop! Thanks for all the advice!

https://imgur.com/a/PAfiJPd

Where are the baby chicks?

 

[hammyanne]

Where are the baby chicks?

They’re behind her in the video!

 

[BDutch]

How does feed work when you have a mixed flock of chicks and adults? Do you just put everyone on chick starter?

Yes. Only chick feed with oyster shell on the side for the adult hens. Until the chicks are about 14 weeks old. From then on I let them choose.
This is a personal choice. Not what people normally advice. All flock is not an option where I live.