How long does mamma care for her brood?

[clucky2]

My silkie has her first brood of 5 that she "adopted." She's a very good mamma. I'll sell the babies when they're feathered and ready, but for now I'm curious about how long a hen wants to keep her babies close? I'm sure it's a gradual separation, as she's already once left her week old babies for short break out in the big yard. ( They freaked out and CRIED for her! )
So what's the usual "weaning" time like?

Thanks

 

[FortWorthChicks]

She will be tired of them by week six is my bet .

 

[Matt A NC]

4-10 weeks depending on the hen.

If she is already leaving them at 1 week old, then she may not be a very good mother.

Matt

 

[clucky2]

Oh thanks! She actually had 3 of the 5 with her when she left the pen. It's not an easy journey for such little babies, and she may have "thought" the others were also behind her. She is such a good mamma, but I do need to work out a solution for them!