fed up broody hen :(

[crazycluck86]

My hen has looked after 4 chicks that are now coming up to five weeks old, but now seems very fed up and restless. They are in the garage in a small coop with a day light, they are feathering up nicely and quite independent now but mum just wants to get out! They have clean bedding and plenty to scrape around in, aldo i scatter meal worms to kerp them busy. The trouble is, its -2c here in the uk so a bit to cold to let them out. Any advice would be great, is she behaving normally? She still keeps them warm and snuggles up to them at night.

 

[howfunkyisurchicken]

Sounds normal to me. My broodies are usually ready to leave their cage 3 or so days after the chicks hatch. I'd make them a temporary pen outside and give her access to the ground or put her back with the flock (which may be more difficult since they've been separated for 5 weeks).
I've seen pictures of broodies and chicks scratching around in the snow. She'll keep her babies warm

 

[crazycluck86]

Ok ill try and put her back tomorrow, we have a little faverolle which seems more puffed up/gets cold quicker than the others but she will be ok wont she? Her and the chicks have been out a few times when the sunshines out with the rest of the flock but its been for no more than an hour, shes a good protective mum I just worry about the little faverolle
(its my favorite. ..oops)