When do you let mumma hen return to flock?

[Ribeehens]

Hi. Im UK based and have 5 Braekel chicks reared with a broody.
She takes them to the coop at night still however i have noticed her started to peck them away from her during the day.
Is she ready to return to her flock and leave mother duties?? Will chicks be warm enough at night?

Typically going away saturday so kinda need things to be as smooth as poss for my hen sitter!

 

[igorsMistress]

Yes she is. Has the rest of the flock been around the chicks?

I let mamas introduce the chicks when she is ready and don’t keep them separate. It’s much easier on you the keeper and the chicks as they know flock etiquette when mama weans them off.

 

[Perris]

If they are mostly fully feathered, they can regulate their own body temperature, and will be fine in typical UK night time temperatures at this time of year.

 

[Ribeehens]

If they are mostly fully feathered, they can regulate their own body temperature, and will be fine in typical UK night time temperatures at this time of year.

Thank you they are mostly feathered just their heads, but they are starting to poke through.

 

[Ribeehens]

Yes she is. Has the rest of the flock been around the chicks?

I let mamas introduce the chicks when she is ready and don’t keep them separate. It’s much easier on you the keeper and the chicks as they know flock etiquette when mama weans them off.

Ah ok will do that in future, i only have 1 other hen. Mum and chicks have been visible but separated throughout. Was advised to keep chicks separate until 16 weeks....

 

[igorsMistress]

Ah ok will do that in future, i only have 1 other hen. Mum and chicks have been visible but separated throughout. Was advised to keep chicks separate until 16 weeks....

We all do it our own way, whatever works really. I let the broody decide when it’s time to introduce to the flock, integrate at four weeks if I raise them myself but the they can all see/hear each other the whole time. In my experience younger is better; the littles are quick and usually the bigs don’t mess with them. Once they’re bigger they are seen as competition for resources and it’s a harder transition for them. YMMV.