Is too soon to take down the barrier inside the coop?

[Catfishy]

This may require some backstory.

My family and I are new to adding 2 new young birds for our flock of 1. We had 3 but due to age, 2 of the adult girls passed recently. We now have one adult bird and the 2 young birds that are now 12 weeks old. We have had the young ones for 6 weeks now and the adult bird has been in close proximity for quite some time with a mesh set up between them.

Recently we have been letting the young girls play under supervision in the yard. They seem to be okay with each other. There is the occasional pecking order squabble, usually around food or found goodies in the yard, and sometimes the older bird just goes after the young ones but it is short and quick. When the young ones are not watched they spend their time in a “playpen” area.

Inside the coop, the young ones are still separated from the adult bird by a metal poultry mesh. I am wondering if it is too soon to take the mesh down. My gut tells me it is okay but I would really like some experienced feedback, please.

 

[sawilliams]

Should be fine but you could just pen a space small enough for the chicks but to small for the hen so the chicks could get away to a safe zone if needed

 

[lazy gardener]

Sounds like you have given them plenty of time to get used to each other. You've given them some time out in your yard to interact, and that's gone pretty well. I'd just go ahead and let them work it out at this point.