Mum losing interest?

[amzevans]

Hi I had 3 chicks hatch under my broody on the 14th June. Yesterday I noticed she's not really showing as much interest in the chicks or calling them for food. She was really protective and used to sit on them whenever I went to get feeder and drinker. She doesn't do this anymore. The chicks still sleep under her at night. When I open the lid of the run she jumps out but then goes back in. Is she getting ready to leave the chicks and is 4 weeks too early for her to leave them. When she's ready I intend to put her back with the flock but leave the chicks where they are as they are still too small to be with the others and protect themselves against cats etc. any advice gratefully received x

 

[Sjisty]

I don't think it's too early. It amazes me how a hen can be a loving mother one day and the next day it's like she never had chicks! I just went through that with my broody. She was actually pecking at her 4-week-old chick to try to drive it away. Luckily I had other chicks in the nursery that were about the same age so he's not alone.

 

[amzevans]

Thank you. I think I'll let her out and keep an eye on the chicks and her x

 

[amzevans]

She came out but has got back in with them. They don't seem ready for her to leave bless them. X

 

[howfunkyisurchicken]

At this age, they get a little more independent and mom usually gets more aloof. They don't require as much heat, so they spend most of the day going about their business. My broody just left her chicks (they're a little over 4 weeks old) and they've been fine. She hadn't been paying much attention to them during the day, so I figured it was coming. They seem to know what to do

 

[amzevans]

Thank you this has helped so much. Ill open the run each day and if she comes out then ill leave her out. I have to shut it as the chicks too small to be with other two hens yet. I think one of them would be a bit too aggressive towards them x