Mama Hen and Chicks

[a74aggie]

I have a mama hen that hatched and is raising 10 chicks. I have them all in a 10 x 12 area separated from the rest of the flock. The chicks are about 4 weeks old. At what age (the chicks) do I let mama out with the rest of the flock? When will she be done raising/taking care of them?
The area I have them in is connected to the other roost/run that the remainder of my flock uses but I have it barricaded off as the moment. After the chicks get large enough to "defend" themselves, I will open it up to everyone so they can make use of my automatic opener.

 

[azygous]

If the chicks have had at least two weeks in proximity to the adult flock, they can begin to mingle now. When given these two weeks to observe adult behavior, chicks learn the individual temperaments and have the information in their brains to give the bullies a wide berth.

The mama hen will also defend the chicks. Most chickens respect and fear broodies so she will remind them of her fierce powers should they threaten her chicks.

Every broody is different insofar as when she weans her chicks. It can be as early as six weeks, or as late as sixteen weeks. I've found that most wean by age ten weeks, though.

 

[aart]

The chicks are about 4 weeks old. At what age (the chicks) do I let mama out with the rest of the flock?

About 1-2 weeks old.
Last broody I had weaned at 4 weeks.