How long do baby chicks need their mother for warmth?

[ChicksR4Me]

The babies are now 7 weeks old. They had been sleeping on the floor in deep straw I put in for them but now mama hen wants to sleep on the roost and they are still trying to get under her. They look pretty feathered out to me but mama hen is very patient with them and lets them crowd all around her. When will they start roosting next to her rather than under and on top of her?

 

[Illia]

That age? I'd say they're just fine on their own now. . .

That's a lot of big babies to take care of though!

 

[Sir Birdaholic]

As soon as they are fully feathered, they don't need the extra warmth, but do prefer it. As soon as mom starts roosting again, they'll join her.

 

[froggiesheins]

Love the expression on the standing chick, hes' saying: "who you looking at"

Man thats a patient mamma.

 

[Kittymomma]

Oh my gosh, that poor mamma hen! I thought the 3-month old peachick that still tries to huddle under his "mamma" EE hen was silly, but that picture is priceless.

 

[pgpoultry]

Oh heavens.

Who is keeping who warm? The chick sitting on top must be squashing her!