Hen Weaning Chicks At Five Weeks...

[Flappy Bird]

Hello BYC!

Recently one of my smaller hens hatched 16 eggs that my family and I were unaware of until hatch day. Sadly, due to cats and a hawk in the area, we’ve lost 7. We tried our best to enclose them, but they seemed always to find a way out. They’ve been growing rapidly, and Mother Hen has improved at caring for them. Yesterday, the chicks hit their five-week mark. My father noticed that she would leave the chicks for extended periods to lounge with the rest of the flock. They were all together at the end of the day, so I didn’t worry too much. Today, she left them under the carport. I went outside to check on them, and there they were, panting and drinking water. I simply don’t know why she decided now.

I’m expressing concern because they still seem so small. With cats and a hawk around, it isn’t a good time for her to leave them. Is there anything I can do? Is this something I have no control over?

I’m new to broodies and chickens in general. Any advice is appreciated. I apologize if this is me just being an overly concerned Chicken Mom.

- Flappy

 

[JacinLarkwell]

5 weeks is a pretty Typical time for most of my birds to wean.

 

[Flappy Bird]

Will they be okay foraging on their own, or should I confine them to the coop until they are bigger?

We aren’t planning on keeping them (hoping we do keep a few), but it would still break my heart to lose them.

 

[JacinLarkwell]

Will they be okay foraging on their own, or should I confine them to the coop until they are bigger?

We aren’t planning on keeping them (hoping we do keep a few), but it would still break my heart to lose them.

I personally don't because the flock isn't set up for confinent, but you can for peace of mind. That being said, you would then have to reintroduce them to the flock again

 

[Flappy Bird]

Thank you for the reply! I think for the sake of peace within the flock, I’ll allow them to roam. I’m hoping they’ll learn quickly to hide when the rooster sounds the warning.