When is moms job done?

[Jtaranc]

Exactly 4 weeks ago my blue splash maran hatched 3 eggs. She has been a wonderful mom and this is my first experience letting hens hatch and raise their own chicks.

She talked to them constantly, showed them where food and water is, protected them against the other hens.

The last few days Ive noticed shes been wandering from them and they from her.

Is this normal? Shes definitely not mean or chasing them but their bond doesnt seem the same. They dont seem to care where she is, they go off and do their own chicken things. They're fiesty little things.

They are doing well within the flock. They free range but dont go too far and theyre wonderful at jumping in at feeding time.

Its been HOT here lately so they have found a breezey spot at the back of the coop. Definitely dont need her warmth anymore.

Is this a normal weaning time?

 

[BlindLemonChicken]

Normal. Every hen chooses her own time to “wean” the chicks-some earlier than others-but 4 weeks sounds about average to me. They are fully feathered so they don’t need her heat and she has taught them where to eat and drink and sleep so they are good to go!