When does the mom let the chicks be on their own?

[UnlabeledMama]

Just wanting reassurance .... we have 5 chicks that are being raised by the mom. They hatched on 5-5-13, so 6 weeks old tomorrow. Today I noticed they were pretty much on their own most of the day. At sunset they were in a panic because mama was on the roost with the other girls and not in the corner they have been sleeping in. They ended up snuggling with each other and sleeping. Is that okay? She has been a GREAT mama before now. Is it just time for her to let them go a little?

 

[WalkingOnSunshine]

Just wanting reassurance .... we have 5 chicks that are being raised by the mom. They hatched on 5-5-13, so 6 weeks old tomorrow. Today I noticed they were pretty much on their own most of the day. At sunset they were in a panic because mama was on the roost with the other girls and not in the corner they have been sleeping in. They ended up snuggling with each other and sleeping. Is that okay? She has been a GREAT mama before now. Is it just time for her to let them go a little?

This sounds about right to me. Most of my broodies let their babies go right about the time they are fully feathered--a little earlier in the hot summer. Once the babies have all their feathers, they don't need mama any more. Mama roosting on the perch instead of sleeping in a nest with the babies is one of the first signs for my broodies, too.

 

[UnlabeledMama]

Thank you! They seem fine today - foraging together, but mama is not with them.