When can babies and broody mama rejoin the big girls in the coop?

[kpenn26]

I have a broody mama (Buff Brahma) who hatched two beautiful little chicks--one leghorn and one easter egger. They will be 5 weeks old in two days. They have already been integrated into the flock during the daytime hours, spending most of their time with mama who is very protective of them and who does a wonderful job caring for them. They forage with mama and are adventurous. Only the flock leader shows any interest in the chicks and occasionally puts them in their place. The other 5 girls pay them very little attention, thankfully. Mama hen really wants to go back into the coop with the rest of the flock at night, but I haven't let her and babies go back yet since I'm worried the babies will be injured during the evening scuffle that happens every night as they find their sleeping spots. Should I continue to keep them separate for a couple more weeks, or can mama be trusted to protect them if they join the coop?

 

[aart]

The sooner the better.

 

[kpenn26]

Thank you. I allowed them in that night and they tucked up under mama's wings in a nesting box. They've slept there since then and have done very well.