Broody Hen Cycle

[SunChick]

Now that are broody hen Pumpkin has hatched some gorgeous babies, how long should we keep her with the brood after they have feathers? Should we then introduce her back into the main flock or will she go broody again? I would like to pair her up with my buff silkie boy and get some eggs from her at some point.

 

[Poison Ivy]

I took the babies away from mine at 3 weeks and she didn't like it put I was afraid she would have a hard time being put back in with the rest of the flock. And I was right she wasn't on the top of the pecking order any more and she didn't let it bother her she fought right back and it took her a week to set it right but she did it.