is it normal/ok

[adamhartree]

Hi my silkie has hatched 2 chicks 9 days ago. I have Today opened the door to let the other chickens out, but when I went to check on them a hour later the silkie had taken the chicks outside with her. They seem to be running around ok but wasnt sure if it is ok?. Any advice would be great. Thanks

[Nicos]

Mine free range with their mom after 5 days.
I try to make sure they have chick crumb twice a day though to keep up their resistance.

If she's a first time mom- keep an eye on her that she lets them rest under her wings when they get tired/chilly. It doesn't take long for them to get really cold ( depending on the weather of course ).

[BertieFox]

The sooner they are out and about the better. That makes for healthy chicks and chickens. Just make sure the neighbourhood moggie is not in range as we have lost several chicks to cats. Mother will do her best to protect them but is no match for a stealthy feline.
Don't be tempted to pick the chicks up and then pop them down again near Mum. On one occasion when we did that she had got so worked up and confused that she pecked one of her offspring and killed it.

[adamhartree]

Thanks both for your advice. This is her first time being a mom, and by the sounds of it she is doing a great job. I love the way she puts them back though. She opens her wings for them to go under then puts her wings down and jumps in the house. So funny to watch. :-)

[Nicos]

Remember to take lots of piccies!!!!

[Feral007]

Sounds so cute!