Mama hen lays an egg

[ginasmarans]

She just hatched her chicks about 3 weeks ago. I forget exactly when,I've had so many broodies. Today she laid an egg. She is still caring for her babies like a good mother.The chicks aren't fully feathered and the nights are beginning to get a littl cool here. Do you think there is any harm in leaving them together for a couple more weeks,as long as she keeps acting like she is?

 

[keljonma]

We can usually tell when the hen is ready to cut the apron strings. She'll start squatting again and will chase the chicks away from her.