Momma

[mommatofive5]

Snuck four chicks under a broody hen and she has been amazing raising them. I have noticed that this week when I go into the coop and feed the other four laying hens she gets real excited. I had decided not to integrate the chicks yet as they are barely five weeks old but momma has now laid an egg. Can she stay with the chicks for a couple of more weeks? They do seek her at night and our temps are 50 degrees currently at night. Or should I move the chicks into the house and then back out into the separate coop in a couple of weeks?

 

[LaFleche]

Usually they wean their chicks shortly after they start to lay eggs again and they then want to join the adult flock.
If you force her to stay with the chicks she will start to peck them real hard which can lead to injuries.

At 5 weeks old the chicks will be feathered and don't really need her anymore.
But you can try to integrate momma and her chicks with your flock, but be aware that the other hens might peck at the chicks and momma may no longer feel inclined to protect them.

Of course, you can take them in for the night if you feel that they could get too cold on their own, but make sure to let the spend the days outside as they need natural sun light and lots of space to exercise and explore