Hen with chicks. How long will she mother them?

[mooman]

When a hen hatches chicks, how long do they follow her around for? and do they stop all of the sudden or do the chicks just slowly start spending more time on their own?

 

[Ellie]

Well, I am no expert, and my hen may be different from others but here is what I know.

My Lacy had her chicks with her for 4 weeks. At that time, she started pecking at them and actually chasing them away from her. However, she still has them under her wings at night warming them at 5 weeks.

In the daytime, when they are free ranging you wouldn't know who is their mom but you do at night.

Ellie