Well I suppose if you free-range you are used to predators of some sort coming around. If she raises them where they are, it's possible when they follow mama down 1 or 2 may get hurt with the fall, some will make it though I'm sure, maybe all of them.

I don't free range my chickens, but I do my ducks. My ducks to date have not had a clutch born alive. We have, however, had 1 pair of Canada Geese nest here every year. This year, she hatched out 5 goslings about 2 weeks ago. 1 remains alive. Last year she had 6, 3 lived to adulthood. The year before none, she re-set and 2 lived to adulthood, I don't remember the prior years but never have all lived to adulthood.

The mother will protect them-they will all scurry under her. Your rooster will (or should) protect her & the chicks, too. The other hens may or may not try to hurt the chicks, but mama will cover them with her body/wings.

I guess the question is how heavy is your predation? Are you willing to lose several of the chicks to the risks of freeranging? If not, I'd pen her with the chicks for at least a week or 2, maybe more, until they are mobile & alert.

Brendasue

I've only hatched out one batch last year as a sort of entertainment/curiousity. My broody sat on a big clutch and only 4-5 hatched out, I can't remember exactly. I only have 2 left to date, minus the momma too. Once I let them out, they were fair game to the predators. I don't free range every day like I used to; if I know I'm going to be here all day I will let them out. We have neighbor dogs who can't resist sometimes, plus the wild predators.

The chicks themselves will require very little care, the momma will show them how to drink and eat. Before last year I had not seen a momma hen in YEARS and had forgotten how cute and entertaining they can be. They say "Mother Hen" for a reason!! Very protective, fluffing out when you walk in. Lori

I'd isolate her and the babies until they were at least 2 weeks old. I've had experiences with other jealous hens fighting over the chicks or just plain attacking them, resulting in dead chicks. Mama can't be everywhere at once.

Personally I don't introduce my chicks into the adult flock full-time until they are at least 2 months old, I've learned the hard way to do that!

I've got more on raising chicks on my site, this might help:

http://jackshenhouse.com/VSChickHensBroodiesChicks.htm

Enjoy your chicks! :)

Velvet ~:>