Hello! One of my pullets (about 8 months) went broody about a week and a half ago. I just happened to have 7 not quite week old chicks in a brooder in the shop, so after a couple of days, we slipped them under her. She took to being a momma SO good We used chicken wire to block off a large corner of the coop for her and the babies, and of course have food and water in there for all of them. We free range, and besides the broody, we have 2 roosters, 4 other pullets, and three banty roos. At what point should I remove the wire? None of the other chickens seem to care less that she's there in the corner with the babies, but obviously I don't want them getting hurt. I'm sure that at some point she should be taking them outside to forage and explore, but when? Thanks!
I'm having that trouble right now, my older 1yr old girls are chasing the 6 week old babies away from their food trough. My mama's(as I call them) aren't being mean but the babies run away screaming like their being murdered. I tried keeping them seperate but it just wasn't working that way either.The babies found a way out of the pen but could never get back in so would go with out food water way too long. Now I just stand out there till everyone has eaten enough & then go on my way.
