When should I let mama hen take the chicks out?

[10xmama]

My broody hen hatched her 3 chicks on Saturday. I’ve had her in our 2nd coop/run right next to our main coop/run. Mama looks anxious to go outside. I usually let all our chickens out each afternoon but I’ve been keeping mama/babies in and away from the flock.

I was thinking I’d let the mama and babies out this afternoon and keep the rest of the flock in. Is that ok? She wouldn’t have the protection of the roo/flock but I think at this stage it would keep the chicks safer from the other hens? I was thinking it might help the other hens to see the babies walking around ... kinda beginning the acceptance into the flock?

Advice welcome

 

[Pork Pie]

Your momma will protect her chicks if any flock members show too much interest in the chicks. I always let my hen and chicks out with the rest of the flock from day 3 (when the chicks could get in and out of the coop) and they were always fine. Others may not have the same experience however.