Will a new mother hen take in 3-week-old chicks?

[Cheesay]

Hi,

I was totally unprepared for chicks. A hen hid a nest on me and hatched out 7 babies. Another hen went broody, so I decided to let her sit. Unfortunately, the hen that hatched the 7 babies has disappeared. Last time she disappeared, she was just broody and hid, but since she was still caring for the chicks this time, it makes me fear the worst. The babies are 3 weeks old now. They've taken to my broody hen. They will jump in the box and sit with her at night. It is so cute. But, broody hen doesn't do anything for them.

Broody hen should have new chicks any day now. I just candled an egg, and there is definitely a live chick in there. I'm wondering if broody hen will help protect and mother the older chicks once hers hatch. Has anyone experienced this?

 

[Fanci Feathers Marans]

Three weeks is usual 'weaning' time for chicks. They don't need her anymore. I would say you are going to have another batch from those chicks' momma.

The big chicks may pick the younger when they hatch, I would separate them.

 

[aart]

I have not experienced this situation.
The only broody I let hatch weaned her chicks at about 6 weeks.
Weaning can happen anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.

I would be ready to separate the orphaned chicks.
But I would wait it out and see what the broody does once her eggs hatch.
How is the rest of the flock treating the orphaned chicks?