So my hen with baby chicks is laying eggs?

[natyvidal]

Yes. My cockoo maran hen is laying eggs at the same time as raising 5 babies. Babies are approximately 1.5 months old fully feathered. Is it time to remove them from mother? Keep them in a brooder until they are older? I’ve kept mother and babies in a big cage to protect them from my barn cat and other possible predators. Could the mother be ready to start laying again? As always thank you for all your info. ️

 

[chickenenthusiasts5698]

It’s really up to you..If your hens still wanting to mother them i’d leave them together but i’ve found when my broodys start laying they’re typically done raising the chicks.

 

[Acre4Me]

Broody momma will be weaning the chicks. Ignoring them, and will begin to peck them (reprimand them) as the low ranking chicks that they are. Momma will want to roost with the flock. If she is still protective of them at all, this is your chance to let her introduce the chicks to the flock bc you don’t have much longer for that opportunity. Our momma hen generally has about 1-1.5 weeks of recognizing her chicks as babies after laying an egg.

 

[aart]

Yes. My cockoo maran hen is laying eggs at the same time as raising 5 babies. Babies are approximately 1.5 months old fully feathered. Is it time to remove them from mother? Keep them in a brooder until they are older? I’ve kept mother and babies in a big cage to protect them from my barn cat and other possible predators. Could the mother be ready to start laying again? As always thank you for all your info. ️

Well, if she's laying, she must be ready, eh?

Not unusual for a broody to wean chicks at 6 weeks old and start laying again.
Most folks get the broody and her chicks back in with the flock within a week or so after hatch.

 

[chickens really]

Definitely get them with Momma into the flock. Soon she won't recognize them as hers once the broodiness is gone. She will protect them during integration.

 

[natyvidal]

Ok. Integrating is out of the question since the in integrated by different types fowl and my cat. My chickens free range and I can protect her and her chicks all the time. They are huddling together for sleeping still in a corner. Question. Are the chicks old enough that I can separate the mom back to the group and keep babies in separate cage?