I have a question about hens raising their own chicks. Do they need to be seperated from the rest of the flock, or will the hen protect her chicks? They are in a large house with two runs.

Another question: The hens lay their eggs in raised nesting boxes about 2' off the floor. If I'm going to let a hen hatch her eggs, do I let her do it in these boxes, or do I remove them to somewhere else? If they stay in the nesting box, how do I keep the chicks from falling out when they are hatched?

Thanks, I'm new to this (obviously!)
Pam

Pam: I usually create a small, square fence out of rat wire (hardware cloth) and 2X4's that is about 3 feet square and 18" high that I place in one corner of the henhouse once the chicks have hatched. It's low enough for the mom to hop out, but protects the chicks from overly-interested residents. If you have a brood box (single enclosed nest) you can put this inside the fence as soon as the eggs hatch. (Be sure to empty out or even cover up the original hatching box - chickens aren't too bright.)

Our hen is currently hatching her chicks in a nestbox three feet above the coop floor, will she find a way to get the chicks to the floor or should we leave her a day then move her and chicks to the floor by hand?