Mama Hen W/ babies

[Henniezues]

Hi
Our broody hen took in 5 chicks and has been an incredible mama. She has taught them everything and she protects them with her life. They are just about 11 weeks today and almost as big as she is. Today is the first day I saw her run the chicks off and she has been wandering on her own with another older hen. The chicks are fine but Ive never seen her leave them alone. They have almost 3/4 acre to roam here and the chicks are sticking together but when they run after mama she chases them off! Is this normal? She hasnt hurt them, I was just surprised to see this. The other hen we have is following mama around but not bothered with the chicks.
Thanks

 

[camochick96]

I’ve never had a mother hen with chicks, but I have heard this happens once the chicks are old enough to fend for themselves.

 

[HappyClucker7]

Yes, this is normal. The mama hen has decided that they are old enough to be on their own, so she is weaning them.

 

[Henniezues]

Ok, good to hear-thank you!

 

[Brahmababe20]

Hi
Our broody hen took in 5 chicks and has been an incredible mama. She has taught them everything and she protects them with her life. They are just about 11 weeks today and almost as big as she is. Today is the first day I saw her run the chicks off and she has been wandering on her own with another older hen. The chicks are fine but Ive never seen her leave them alone. They have almost 3/4 acre to roam here and the chicks are sticking together but when they run after mama she chases them off! Is this normal? She hasnt hurt them, I was just surprised to see this. The other hen we have is following mama around but not bothered with the chicks.
Thanks

 

[Brahmababe20]

That’s normal for hens to do. She’ll probably want to breed again.
My hen did the same thing. Now she’s got 4 new chicks she adores & protects fiercely.
She has taught them what to do. You don’t have a rooster?

 

[JacinLarkwell]

Wow, she had them for a long time. Mine usually run them off around 8 weeks tops

 

[Henniezues]

Thank you, no we do not have a rooster. we bought our house two years ago with two laying hens and never anticipated this adventure but its been great. She became broody last year and hatched 3 babies but only one survived. This year none of them hatched but she took in 5- 2 day olds and has done great! We really didnt expect to have 7 hens but we have the space for them and they are pretty easy to care for =)

 

[Henniezues]

Wow, she had them for a long time. Mine usually run them off around 8 weeks tops

She only had one baby her first time and they just stick by each other so this time it took me by surprise. She is a great mom!

 

[LizzzyJo]

Totally normal! She is being a good momma by weaning them. She actually stayed with them much longer than most do too!
We always call this the Harry and the Hendersons stage. "Get out of here, we don't want you anymore!" But actually, she's just being a good momma and teaching her babies to be chickens.