When to let them out?????

[casey197530]

I have a Silkie (Butters) that hatched and egg on Dec 31st (little Eve is either a Cohan or a frizzle she is 5 weeks old now). Momma and baby have been going out in the playpen everyday now since the baby was a week old. My silkie is starting to act like she really wants to be out with the other chickens and I feel bad for her. (except she gets to sleep inside every night) We tried letting the baby and mom go out with the other chickens a couple of weeks ago and the baby was attacked by one of our bantams.(She was tiny and is now about half the size of Butters.) Mom kicked butt, but I am worried that if I let them out now she will not be as inclined to protect Eve anymore. So my question is should I let Butters go out with the other chickens and keep the little one separated or should I continue to keep mamma and baby together for a little while longer or should I let them both out and just keep watch. I do not want to lose my little Eve as she was my first baby born here. Any help would be great. Thanks a million

 

[familyfarm1]

You should put them in with the other flock, but don't just let them in, Integrate them. Here is a article telling you how to add new chickens to your flock: https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/adding-to-your-flock