After brooding

[MiddleChild]

I have a hen sitting on 11 eggs (fertile, but not hers). They are supposed to hatch Sunday or Monday. My question is - what happens afterward?

1. How long does mom care intensively for her babies?

2. Does mom defend her babies from the other adult hens?

3. When can babies be on their own?

4. When does mom go back to regular laying (no roosters on site)?

 

[Lollipop]

Quote:

 

[Happy Chooks]

Ditto what Pop said.

 

[MiddleChild]

Thanks! I kinda sorta thought this all might be the case but I'm new at this.

 

[cmom]

I agree with the other posts.

 

[pgpoultry]

I entirely agree with the other posts, but currently have a hen who hasn't read this page. She has 8 week old chicks (outside with mum and free ranging in the day with 30 other assorted chickens inc. 5 roosters). She is egg laying and being an excellent mum at the same time, but I would expect this to change any day now.

 

[Lollipop]

Quote:
LOL, I`ve had a few like that over the years. Sometimes it goes as far as the chicks losing interrest and leaving mom. Rare, though.......Pop