Should I Give Up On Her Being Motherly?

[Gilbird]

I have a broody hen that hatched out 7 chicks. She was a perfect broody, and a good momma in the beginning. But, I think she’s ready to move on. The chicks are two weeks old— too young to be in the coop or outside without her protection. But she obviously is trying to escape them. She has also started laying again.

Is there anyway to encourage her to stay with the chicks? I know I am probably fighting Mother Nature, but i was hoping to get more than two weeks from her. Thanks!

 

[Ridgerunner]

No, she has moved on. I had a hen that started laying 2-1/2 weeks after her chicks hatched and she totally weaned them at 3 weeks. They made it on their own with the flock. I had a different hen wean hers at three weeks also and those chicks also made it with the flock on their own. But two weeks is very young. You will probably need to brood them yourself. Bummer, I know.

 

[Gilbird]

Thanks so much. That is what I figured, but was hoping for some miracle!