Putting hen back with flock after raising chicks for 7wks

[yellowflower]

I have a bantam cochin who was seperated from the flock to raise some chicks. They are 7/8weeks now and I see her telling them to get away so I want to put her back with the flock. Should I do it during the day or wait till night? Thanks!

 

[Enchanted Sunrise Farms]

i would reintroduce just like she is a brand new hen. At night is probably the best, and be prepared for the pecking order in the morning. i have this problem every time i let a broody hatch some chicks.

This time though, i put my broodies back in their original pens with their 4-week-old chicks. The broodies in each case were the dominant hens, so they quickly re-established their dominance and now everything is fine. And the little chicks are way too fast for the other hens to hurt them.

 

[yellowflower]

Thankyou, it seems she suddenly doesn't want to be mom anymore. Everytime they come near her when she's pecking at something she pecks at them like get out of here. Maybe it's the pecking order going on.

 

[stuckinthecity]

This is a great example of why it might be easier for some people to let the hen raise her chicks with the flock.

Of course new born chicks do not need to be around other hens/roosters, but I mean after about 3-5 days they are up and running, I think its safe to turn them out with the flock...anybody agree?

I mean, if there is a STRONG flock bond...the birds have been together for a pretty good while, and the pecking order has been established.

 

[aero80]

What do you feed the hens and chicks when they are together? I just got a cochin with two chicks and I have to other layers with some other younger hens all together but I don't know what feed to give them all.