Do I let my broody hen and chicks free in the coop/run??

[Stacey30]

Hi, I have a broody hen that has hatched out 6 chicks. I have her in my coop in different cage with them. I wondering when is a good time to let her free with the chicks to be with all the other birds. My biggest concern is that I have two geese and 4 ducks that live with my chickens. I’m worried they might hurt the chicks.

 

[JustAChickenLoverOverHere]

I'd wait at least until they're 6 weeks old.

 

[MarkButcher]

Hi, I have a broody hen that has hatched out 6 chicks. I have her in my coop in different cage with them. I wondering when is a good time to let her free with the chicks to be with all the other birds. My biggest concern is that I have two geese and 4 ducks that live with my chickens. I’m worried they might hurt the chicks.

Having just done that, and heeding the general advice of page members, i kep mommy and chicks segregated for 3/4 weeks, and when mommy started pacing the cage line, it seemed the right time to let her and the chicks out. It's worked out perfectly, and mommys doing a great job of sheperding and keeping her babies safe.