Mama & chicks still sectioned off from others. Mama getting bored?

[DooryardChickens]

My Mama hen hatched 3 chicks on her own 2 weeks ago. I have them in their own little (3x6) area of the coop. They can all see what's going on with the other chickens. Once a day I haul the four of them out into a portable hand-made pen in the grass. I put some sand and/or dirt in so Mama can have her beloved bath.

Still, I feel like Mama is getting really bored being sectioned off from her normal chicken life. I'm wondering if I should get her outside (free, with the others) now and then. But, of course, the chicks peep like mad when they can't see her. Do I have to keep her & the chicks together and away from the others until the chicks are fully feathered and able to hold their own? Any advice or thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Thanks from NH

 

[jenjscott]

It really depends on your flock and your momma hen. My flock paid very little attention to the chicks and anybody who got too close had to deal with The Wrath of Hen! By 2 weeks the little ones could skeedadle pretty fast and everyone got along fine.