How to handle having several hens with chicks?

[terri1nd]

We have 4 hens with chicks currently & maybe another one soon. I currently have them in a hoop coop that I made into several areas for each momma hen, but it is getting pretty hard to fit anymore in unless I rework the whole thing. I'm afraid the momma hens might attack another's chick or that the momma hens might fight each other. The rest of the flock has been spending lots of time watching what is going on with the chirping of the babies & the mother hens teaching the chicks to scratch. At what age do you think it will be safe to let them mingle with the rest of the flock? Do you think it would be ok to let the momma hens mingle in the hoop coop at some point? I feel bad at the thought of taking a chick away from the momma hen & give it to another momma hen (not sure they would accept another chick as their own). Lots of questions
for pics of the momma hens & the chicks (so far) https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/newestpost/683851

 

[sumi]

I let my broodies and their chicks share a chick pen and the moms do sometimes have an argument, but they don't peck each other's chicks. The chicks usually mingle and eat together. When they are around 3 weeks to a month old I let them mingle with the rest of the flock. By then the chicks are tougher and mom will protect them if anyone comes too close.

 

[Mrs. K]

I just leave mine with the flock from the get go, but I free range quite a bit. The first 2-3 weeks, the broody keeps between the layers and the chicks, and when free ranging does not get far from the coop. Then she ventured out, but still not with the flock. I notice this week, they are all together. My layers leave them alone, as they have been accepted.

the sooner you put them with the flock, the more intense the Mama's protections instincts are, as the chicks get older, she looses that instinct. The chicks will catch on quick, to stay out of reach, and behind mama.

If you keep them in the run, do make sure there are some hideouts and obstacles and places they can get away from an older hen.

MrsK