How old is old enough?

[rosawoodsii]

I have 3 chicks that are now 6 weeks old, fully feathered. They've been with a hen since I stuck them under her several weeks ago. She readily accepted them, and has been a great mother. Now I have 6 more chicks, less than a week old, that I'd love to give to this hen, and I know she'd take them on. I also know that it's probably not a good idea to put them under her with the three bigger chicks still hanging on.

Here's the question: At 6 weeks, are they able to leave Momma and forage on their own? I don't want to put them with the rest of the flock, but can keep them separate at night. During the day they'll be outside or in, as they choose, same as the rest.

Is this too young? They've been wandering off occasionally in the past few days, Momma isn't as careful with them as she used to be, so I'm thinking maybe the timing is right?

Advice and experience needed.

 

[Lollipop]

Dunno what your temps are like where you live. The older chicks may still need the warmth from mom. If you do try to switch the chicks, don`t be surprized if she rejects them. Sounds like her broody season is about to end.........Pop

 

[cmom]

I agree with the other posts. The older chicks should be ok on their own. They may need a heat source at night if it gets too cold. They should be able to handle 60/65 degree temps.

 

[rosawoodsii]

I thought I'd follow up on this. For the first few nights, I put the hen with the new chicks to keep them warm. The older 3 were in the hay in the sheep pen, all snuggled up together. In the daytime, the coop with the young chicks was warm from the sun coming in the windows. After a few nights, I put Momma hen in with the new chicks and left her there. She's taking care of them just fine. I look in and see chicks peeping out from her wings, and she's crooning to them. When I scatter feed, she calls them to her. They've been together full-time now for 2 days.

Question: When can they go outside with the hen? It's been rather wet and cool here the past couple days.

And is it safe to let the three older ones in with the hen and younger chicks?