I'm not sure what others do but I'd remove the rooster.
Mama should indeed keep her babes warm however, you need to put up a lamp for newly hatched chicks so when they're not under her, they have a warm place to retreat to while she moves around the coop to eat, etc.
They need about 90-95 degree temp under the lamp, put a thermometer under the lamp to get the correct temp. Make sure they have an area to get away from the heat if they choose.
Each week, lift the lamp a bit decreasing the temp by about 5 degrees until you get to about 70-75 degrees.
Don't know where you live but your climate will determine how long heat will be necessary once they're fully feathered.
Best of luck ;)
Sue
WLR
--- In CHICKENS-101@yahoogroups.com, PiranhaFem@... wrote:
>
> Yesterday's query got no responses, and I'm getting nervous! My Silkie
> hen is (hopefully) about to hatch 3 eggs, and I have an important question:
> Do I need to separate the chicks from the daddy? He's a very nice Silkie
> rooster but I don't know if most people keep the roosters separated from
> brand new chicks. Is there a chance he will be nice and help raise them, or is
> the risk of him hurting them too high?
>
> Also, the weather here is in the mid 80s during the day, and down to the
> high 40s or low 50s at night. Am I correct in thinking mama hen will be
> able to keep her babies warm? When should I worry about it? I can bring them
> inside if needed.
>
> Thanks for any advice --
>
> signed, a nervous soon-to-be chicken grandma
>
> --Maureen
>
CHICKENS-101@yahoogroups.com
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