Free range chicks

[Kimber18]

I have two 8 week old chicks that mama hen had hatched and is raising. She's a very good protective mama. The rest of the flock free ranges during the day but I've been keeping mom and the chicks in the run during the day. Are they big enough to let them free range with mom and the rest of the flock? Mama hen is losing her patience being kept in all the time. Picture because its adorable

 

[C Siena]

How long has Mamma and chicks been in the run with see no touch? Have they been in the coop at all?
We had six 7 week old chicks, free ranging. They had 2 weeks in the coop 24/7 of see no touch. The first few days they did not travel far from the coop. No altercations except hens would chase chicks from food first thing in the morning, then ignored them. We had plenty of food stations.

We had a broody hen that was Ready to leave her chicks at 6 weeks. She laid an egg and was ready for another brood. Put chicks, without mamma, in the coop in cage for see no touch. I'm not that experienced and will read what others write.

 

[Kimber18]

Mama and chicks are loose in the run all the time. In the evenings when the other hens come in they're all together. The others hens don't seem to bother with the chicks

 

[Apis mellifera]

My hens with chicks forage with the rest of the flock from day one. Never had an issue, in fact I think they better integrate with the rest of the flock.

 

[C Siena]

I think to let them out on a day you can observe. I had a spray bottle on hand but did not need it. Also, add more places for food. I used our/human supplies. I did bleach the corning ware after their use.

 

[Kimber18]

I think to let them out on a day you can observe. I had a spray bottle on hand but did not need it. Also, add more places for food. I used our/human supplies. I did bleach the corning ware after their use.

I like the spray bottle Idea!

 

[fluffycrow]

They should be more than ready to free range. As mentioned, the chicks can follow mum from day one. They can certainly do so after they’ve completely feathered out.

Since they’ve already been interacting with the rest of the birds, I doubt you’ll have issues with co-existence. Disciplinary pecks are to be expected (and welcomed), while mum will be more than capable of defending them, if need be. They aren’t really chicks anymore, more so juveniles. They can handle more than we think

 

[Altairsky]

My broody hens with chicks free range as soon as the chicks can use the steps of the coop auto door, which is around 3 to 5 days old.