How long will a momma be super protective over chicks?

[chicksnducks]

I got a momma and two babies at a chicken auction and boy is she protective ...bordering mean! when should I separate her and the babies? how long will she be so protective? she had my 12 girls all piled in the corner ......scared of her.....

 

[tiffanyh]

I would think you should separate her until the chicks are older. She is being introduced to a new "clan" while trying to raise babies, she has been introduced and that alone changes the pecking order, etc. She is probably being superprotective because of the changes and stress, I bet she would relax of she could care for them on her own, then introduce her back to the group, IMHO!
Good Luck.