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We have had the arrival of 9 chicks, thanks to the loving care of one of our barnevalder hens. Currently they (the chicks and mother) are in a separate broody coop in the same orchard as the other chooks. When do you think we should let them out to roam about? I'm worried because our cat is a hunter, although she's never bothered the hens. They are 2 weeks old and starting to look a little board in there.
Also of concern is that the hen has started laying again (I'm pretty sure) and I think she is eating the eggs - lots of new shell around in the nesting box. Would letting them out help? I don't want to bobby trap any eggs with all the babies around.
This is the first time we've tried to hatch any eggs, so it's all very new (and exciting!)

Hello -- I have been rearing chooks for over 20 years, so have seen a lot of chickens!

We leave mum and chickens locked up for 4-6 weeks together, thought because your hen has started laying again so soon, watch her, as she may become bored with the chickens and start to peck them.

Having them in the run with the rest of the chooks is good, as they will become used to the young ones' presence. They will still peck them when they are joined with the main flock - it's all part of the pecking order establishment, but be sure there's a small space that only the chickens can get into for safety. If your chooks are free-ranging, this won't be much of an issue.

Feeding the hen greens and some layers pellets or other source of calcium would help stop her eating the eggs, which often begins through boredom. Once it starts, it can be a hard habit to break. Feeding greens (clover, fathen, dock, grass) helps the mum show the chickens what to eat as well.

Cheers
Andrea
NZ