New chicks & leaving for a trip!

[TheBirdBabe]

Hello everyone,

Recently one of my hens hatched some chicks. She's done a stupendous job with them lately & finally got them out & about today to eat & explore! They loved it so much that after I put them in the nesting box, a few hours later.. they're back out with mama. It's a nice day for it today, (temperature wise & not a lot of wind) but tomorrow will be a different story.

My only problem is that I'll be leaving for a short trip in the morning. Tomorrow a huge cold front is blowing in where temperatures will plummet to the teens & the wind will bring 50mph gusts. I'm not worried about my chickens, but the babies! I have a nursery all set up for them. (In case I needed to take them from mama.. plus I have another bunch on the way) I'm scared to leave them as is due to them not being used to getting back up in the nesting box. Plus, I'm not totally sure how they do with the roosters yet..

I'll be gone for a little over 24 hours, but my main question is, would you take them from their mama? Should I try to move her with them? I desperately need guidance or I'll be worrying the whole time I'm gone! Thank you in advance for any pointers!

PS. My husband will be on site, but he doesn't hardly ever mess with my chickens & is limited on what he can do.. so I'm preparing as if he won't even be here!

 

[3KillerBs]

If mama is taking good care of them now then I'd expect her to take good care of them through the adverse weather.

Here's a useful article: https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...rst-turkey-strut-to-weaning-the-chicks.76878/

 

[Brooks_]

I would put my faith in Momma.

 

[TheBirdBabe]

If mama is taking good care of them now then I'd expect her to take good care of them through the adverse weather.

Here's a useful article: https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...rst-turkey-strut-to-weaning-the-chicks.76878/

Thank you for the article! The only problem I saw with my situation is that I never moved her from the nesting box. I've put a ramp for the chicks to climb up in the box, but I'm not sure if they'll learn to use it quick enough!

 

[LadiesAndJane]

If you are only gone for the day and the you are uncertain about the weather, I personally would bring momma and the chicks in, maybe if you have a large dog crate or similar.
But I am a very hands on chicken owner, so there is that.

 

[TheBirdBabe]

If you are only gone for the day and the you are uncertain about the weather, I personally would bring momma and the chicks in, maybe if you have a large dog crate or similar.
But I am a very hands on chicken owner, so there is that.

I am as well! I am a very hands on pet owner & I can't help it!

 

[sourland]

Given your concern, I would move the mother and chicks to the brooder given that it is large enough for her.

 

[TheBirdBabe]

Given your concern, I would move the mother and chicks to the brooder given that it is large enough for her.

I'm definitely thinking about it now! I just hope she stays put & doesn't try to venture out. It's not an enclosed area.

 

[JustTC]

Hello everyone,

Recently one of my hens hatched some chicks. She's done a stupendous job with them lately & finally got them out & about today to eat & explore! They loved it so much that after I put them in the nesting box, a few hours later.. they're back out with mama. It's a nice day for it today, (temperature wise & not a lot of wind) but tomorrow will be a different story.

My only problem is that I'll be leaving for a short trip in the morning. Tomorrow a huge cold front is blowing in where temperatures will plummet to the teens & the wind will bring 50mph gusts. I'm not worried about my chickens, but the babies! I have a nursery all set up for them. (In case I needed to take them from mama.. plus I have another bunch on the way) I'm scared to leave them as is due to them not being used to getting back up in the nesting box. Plus, I'm not totally sure how they do with the roosters yet..

I'll be gone for a little over 24 hours, but my main question is, would you take them from their mama? Should I try to move her with them? I desperately need guidance or I'll be worrying the whole time I'm gone! Thank you in advance for any pointers!

PS. My husband will be on site, but he doesn't hardly ever mess with my chickens & is limited on what he can do.. so I'm preparing as if he won't even be here!

I'm definitely thinking about it now! I just hope she stays put & doesn't try to venture out. It's not an enclosed area.

Agreed. It's only 24hrs and better to be safe than sorry. I would put Mumma & chicks together somewhere thats a nice temperature while your gone. Feed & water. They'll be fine