question about my mamma hen.

[esther5]

hi
i have a hen with 3 chicks that hatched on 16th may so are 3 weeks old. they are in a dog cage in the main coop which is 4mx 4m. there are 2 hens and 5 pol pullets in the main coop plus 5 that are about 12 weeks old. when is it safe to allow mum and babies to join the rest?
i've read stories of hens running off with day old chicks in their mouths but other people seem to leave the broody to raise her bunch with the rest....

 

[sumi]

Introduce them now, so the flock can get used to and accept them before the hen weans them. While they are with her she will protect them, but she will probably wean them once they are around 7 weeks old, so the sooner you introduce them to the rest of the family, the better.

 

[esther5]

could i have safely done it earlier? it is easier not having them separate.what age are chicks not likely to fall in the water for example?

from my limited experience of hatching both ways, i can see that those brought up in a brooder are far less able to look after themselves.

i have taken your advice sumi and they are all free ranging in the garden...more space is easier i think. mum won't let anyone get close.....thanks

 

[sumi]

I can't say. Different flocks behave differently. I had a bunch of lunatics who killed newly hatched chicks, but others here let their hens hatch chicks and raise them with the flock from day 1 with no problems. I like to remove moms and chicks for the first 2 weeks, at least, before introducing the family to the flock. By then the chicks are stronger and the hen is fully into mothering and protecting them.

Chicks of any age can drown in a waterer, provided it's deep enough. Keep them filled with clean pebbles or marbles, just to be safe. Food wise, make sure the chicks do not eat layer food. The high calcium content is harmful to them. If it's impossible to feed everyone separately or keep mother hen out of the layer food (she will give it to the chicks), switch the flock to grower or chick starter for awhile and offer the layers crushed oystershell or crushed egg shells on the side for calcium.

And enjoy!

 

[esther5]

thank you for sharing your experience. it's helpful to hear.
they are currently on growers with oyster shell in the corn.
it is a sweet sight watching them all in the garden.

 

[sumi]

I'm sure! I had many broody hens raise chicks over the years and I still love watching them.