At what age do mother hens leave there chicks?

[c.wilson]

Hi y'all. I was just wondering I have 8 chicks and 4 keets. They are all being raised by white silkies. 1 hen with 2 chicks, 2 hens with 4 chicks, and 1 hen with 4 keets. There are two that are about 11 weeks, and 4 that are 7 weeks. The keets are 6 weeks. I was wondering at what age do you all think all the "mommys" will leave there chicks.

 

[Mahonri]

Depends upon the mommy. Many chickens let their chicks go at 6 weeks so you have some attentive mommies.

 

[Southerngirl]

6-8 weeks is average. However, I have a Japanese Bantam Isabella who currently has 6 "babies" that are 3 1/2 months old. She has always kept her babies 3-4 months.

 

[Sahara]

Mine are now five weeks old and the mother leaves them frequently now. I'm assuming any day they will be on their own.