How long until chicks stop following mother hen?

[AnitaWhite]

I have a dutch bantam - female and a Chabo - male. They are very mini. Hatch day came just as everyone said it would 21 days exactly after she went full on broody. "Lady" was very aggressive during the process. I thought there would be 4 babies max and there are 7! They follow the mother everywhere. Interesting when the rooster finds food...he makes a funny "call" and they all come running, including the mother. Super fast speed. Question is when will the babies stop following the mother? They have been free ranging only when I'm outside. Also my rooster is super friendly...he comes to me when I call his name despite what he's up to and is VERY involved in helping the mom with the babies. Should I expect this behavior to change?

 

[Chick-N-Fun]

My chicks were weaned from my broody at about 6 weeks old. The transition was tough to watch....it broke my heart! But now they are coexisting in the flock without any issues. Momma is broody again with 4 eggs due to hatch in 4 days!

 

[Pork Pie]

Hi Anita and welcome to BYC. The mother hen will decide when it’s time to wean the chicks and it will take a few days of confusion on behalf of the chicks to realise that she is no longer acting as their “mother”. The cock bird may likely still help out for a little longer (I’ve not really thought about the duration, to be honest).

 

[AnitaWhite]

My chicks were weaned from my broody at about 6 weeks old. The transition was tough to watch....it broke my heart! But now they are coexisting in the flock without any issues. Momma is broody again with 4 eggs due to hatch in 4 days!

 

[AnitaWhite]

Thank you the reply. May I ask why the transition broke your heart??

 

[AnitaWhite]

Hi Anita and welcome to BYC. The mother hen will decide when it’s time to wean the chicks and it will take a few days of confusion on behalf of the chicks to realise that she is no longer acting as their “mother”. The cock bird may likely still help out for a little longer (I’ve not really thought about the duration, to be honest).

 

[007Sean]

Howdy Anita and Welcome to Backyard Chickens.

I agree with @Pork Pie . Hope you enjoy being here with us! Would enjoy seeing pics of the little ones, we all love seeing pics of others flocks!

Thanks for joining our community!

 

[AnitaWhite]

So should I be worried what to expect when the hen does this? They are very good at going to their waters and feeders...I have been removing them at night and in the morning hand feeding everyone thinking they wont feel I'm a threat?

 

[AnitaWhite]

Howdy Anita and Welcome to Backyard Chickens.

I agree with @Pork Pie . Hope you enjoy being here with us! Would enjoy seeing pics of the little ones, we all love seeing pics of others flocks!

Thanks for joining our community!

 

[Chick-N-Fun]

Thank you the reply. May I ask why the transition broke your heart??

Watching the little ones following their mama as usual, but then all of a sudden, getting pecked by her as if saying...” Enough! I’m done!” The chicks AND I were just not ready to let go! I think it was easier for THEM than it was for me!