Broody left her chicks

[amyfitz100]

My broody and her 3 chicks (5ish weeks old) have been in a separate coop from from my other chickens, and have had separate free time outside. Yesterday, they all managed to get out at once (thank you, rooster, for leading them astray while I refilled your water), and I was not sure what would happen. The mama had her chicks go away, and she immediately went straight up to the too and sat down. Of course he mounted her, and they ran around the yard together for a long time. No one seemed to bother the chicks. Later I checked to see where everyone roosted, and found all the adults in one coop, and the three chicks in the other. Is this about the right time? I wasn't really sure how long to keep her with them.

 

[amyfitz100]

Wow that's a lot of typos. I want to add that during the afternoon, she still watched out for them, but they have been getting progressively farther away from her each day.

 

[chickwhispers]

I'm not sure since I have never had a broody with chicks. But if the rest aren't bothering them then I would guess they are about the age. But you might want to post this in the " Raising Baby Chicks" forum hete on BYC. Look in the forumdrop down box in the sections bar at the top of the page. Good luck too you! And Welcome to BYC!!!

 

[Ridgerunner]

I’ve had a broody totally wean her chicks at 3 weeks of age, leaving them totally on their own with the flock. I’ve had broodies go to 9 weeks or more before weaning them. I’ve had broodies stop taking care of the chicks during the day but still roost with them at night. I’ve had broodies not roost with their chicks at night but still take care of them during the day.

They are all different. It sound like yours has selected five weeks as a good age to totally wean hers.

 

[amyfitz100]

So far, so good! Thanks for all the advice!

 

[AmericanMom]

my last broody left her chicks by four weeks, they are fine, live within the flock... she just went broody again. her chicks are only six or seven weeks old.... going to let her do it again

 

[chickwhispers]

Good to know if have any in the future! Thanks!