How and when do I put my hen and her new chicks back in with the rest of the flock?

[Ninajonez]

Hello there!

This is a question I've been contemplating for a few weeks now. I took my broody hen away from the flock and popped 5 Cotswold Legbar eggs under her and two hatched and now they are coming up to 13 weeks. I have kept Jenny (mum) and Tilly and Esta (babies both pullets) in a seperate coop but within seeing distance of the rest of the flock. I can't decide if when jenny shows she's had enough to put her back with the flock on her own but worried the chicks will call for her and get upset or put them all in together? Jenny did hop out the coop the other day so i let her have a wonder but when one of the hens from the flock came up to the netting to see her went crazy (I'm guessing to protect her babies).

What do you guys think? I can put jenny in and move the coop with babies to the other side of the house so they can get used to being away from her if you think this might be better?

Many Thanks in advance Nina

 

[sumi]

I think it would be better to put her and the chicks with the rest of the flock at the same time. That way she can protect her chicks against any bullying from the other chickens and they will accept the youngsters more readily if they're with mom.