Adding chicks to the flock

[countrybear47]

I have a Blue Cochin who is fostering 16 chicks and hatched out one gosling. At what age can the hen be taken away and placed back with the flock and what age can the chicks join the flock as well. They are about 2 weeks old at this point.

Thank you all,

Todd

 

[gritsar]

Todd, not having done it myself I really don't know the answer.
Here's a bump so that perhaps someone with experience on intergrating can help.

 

[elmo]

I'm waiting until my hens start ignoring and leaving their chicks behind. I've read that's usually around 6 to 8 weeks.

I've also read that you shouldn't try to mix the young 'uns into the flock until they are as big or nearly as big as the adult chickens, otherwise they'll be picked on and be less likely to be able handle it because of the size difference.