Yep, she's "weaning" them, so to speak. Teaching them to be more independent. I have a broody with chicks about the same age and they're on their own more and more, too.
Thank you bobbi-j. It was funny that the day after you messaged back, she laid an egg! No wonder she has been acting odd. She has laid an egg almost everyday since, and is still being a good mommy
Hoping that the smell doesn't mean anything bad!
