Adding 6 chicks

[mike48851]

Hi, haven’t been here in awhile...

anyway, I have four hens that I got last March. This year, I decided to get 6 more chicks, which are about 6 weeks old right now. I finally got my run all secured for them so yesterday, they finally got to come outside. Spent all day out. Everything is going great.
Here is my observation and I’m just looking for opinions because I think it’s odd. ..And far fetched. My year old leghorn, last night and tonight, flew up on to the “adult” run and watches the chicks, even though the other three hens went in for the night. Once the last chick gets into the coop, leghorn gets down and goes inside

now, according to chicken behavior, this doesn’t make sense...she isn’t by chance watching to make sure the chicks get into the coop, is she? Lol, I know it sounds crazy and I thought it was just a coincidence last night(because they never fly up on to the top of the run) and then it happened again tonight.
I am letting the hens and chicks get acclimated, with fencing between them.
It’s most likely all coincidence but I figured I’d ask.
Thanks in advance

 

[azygous]

No. Your hen does not watch the chicks out of concern for their welfare. She would need broody hormones for that, and I doubt even then she would station herself to monitor the movements of six-week old chicks.

The most likely explanation is that your Leghorn is merely curious and fascinated with the chicks. Sort of like watching Chick TV. Some of us find watching our chicks fascinating and entertaining, too.

 

[NewBoots]

I don't think it's a coincidence at all. I'm not an expert on chicken psychology but your leghorn sounds like she is interested in the chicks. Hard to say why with so little to go on but it will be fun to watch develop.

 

[mike48851]

No. Your hen does not watch the chicks out of concern for their welfare. She would need broody hormones for that, and I doubt even then she would station herself to monitor the movements of six-week old chicks.

The most likely explanation is that your Leghorn is merely curious and fascinated with the chicks. Sort of like watching Chick TV. Some of us find watching our chicks fascinating and entertaining, too.

Agree. Thanks!