Introducing new baby chicks that have a mama that is an established flock member

[aamowry]

I have two hens (buffs) and recently added 3 baby chicks with one that was broody. It was a great adoption and she is a good mother, however I am not sure when to allow the other hen access. She sees them briefly in the coop in the morning (less than 10 minutes) and has not bothered them other than giving them a sideways stare. I let the non mama out in the run and keep the other 4 locked in the coop with a smaller run. They are now a week old and last night I briefly let mama and chicks out into larger run at dusk while I did some cleaning and the non mama started an aggressive posture with the babies. I thought maybe because they were on her turf and she was establishing order. So question is when will it be safe for the little girls to be with the other hen or do I not worry because mama will take care of them?

 

[Judy]

Normally the mama would be taking the chicks outdoors, or wherever she goes. Are they being kept apart?

 

[aart]

Let the mama integrate the chicks into the flock, sooner the better.....
........mama should be warning off any interest from the other birds.