Weaning Chicks

[kgdyer]

Hi all,

I was wondering: how long does a broody hen typically take care of her chicks?

I have a hen with 10 two-and-a-half week old chicks that has become very agitated in her separate pen, wanting to join the other hens. She also laid an egg today, which made me wonder if she's ready to get back to regular chicken life.

I'd talked to another chicken farmer that had their hen lose interest in her chicks at two weeks, as well. Anyone have any info?

 

[Judy]

They vary. I'd say she is through if she laid an egg. Too bad she and her babies aren't already with the flock. She may not protect them if you try to integrate now.

I just read on here that 4 weeks is probably average.

 

[jojo@rolling acres farm]

Hi there...

I think it must depend on the breed and possibly the hen herself. I can only offer up my experience based on Buff Brahma Bantams. I've had chicks stay with the hens long enough to where you couldn't tell the hen from the chicks! They would all still try to crawl under her at night and they were young adults! Personally, I think 2.5 weeks is really young/early. But, again - I'm just telling you how it works/worked on this farm.