ok so I have a mama hen and her five 2 week old chicks separated from the flock, in the same coop as our other chickens but divided by wire due to a fatality during hatching....the last few days Mama hen has been trying to get outside whenever I go in to check food and water...I think a bit later when my husband is home and we could safely supervise I will try to let her out but keep the chicks inside (they try to escape out the door with her)...
At the same time I have eight 3 week old chicks in a brooder in my shed that were purchased...I’m wondering how long to keep the Mama with her chicks or should I put her with the flock and then add her hatched 5 into the brooder with the other 8 (hoping that being so young they would all get along)...as a mother though I hate the idea of separating the mom from her babies..I also hate forcing her to be so cooped up as well. Feeling morally torn .
At the same time I have eight 3 week old chicks in a brooder in my shed that were purchased...I’m wondering how long to keep the Mama with her chicks or should I put her with the flock and then add her hatched 5 into the brooder with the other 8 (hoping that being so young they would all get along)...as a mother though I hate the idea of separating the mom from her babies..I also hate forcing her to be so cooped up as well. Feeling morally torn .
