Wing It Ranch

[Tstraub]

I agree with @Auntiejessi3 let momma bring them into the flock while she’s still willing. I have had broody hens ween as early as 4 weeks. When she’s done she’s done. My current broody still has 9 week old chicks following her around. It’s anybody’s guess when she will decide it’s time.

 

[Auntiejessi3]

When she’s done she’s done.

Very well worded @Tstraub ! When momma hens decide they're done, they mean business. They will peck at and chase the littles away, so keep all that in mind when you make your decision.

 

[WingItRanch]

Thank you @Auntiejessi3 and @Tstraub !

I'll give it a shot, then. Maybe this afternoon or tomorrow morning. I'm home all weekend so I wanted to make the decision while I'm around to observe. I don't trust broody to protect the chicks. When she's confronted or spooked, she tends to run away and forget the babies and then panic when she realizes she forgot them.

 

[WingItRanch]

Going well so far. I added little hideaways for escape routes.

I also added bricks so babies and reach feeders and waterers.

Everyone seems to be ignoring the chicks but the broody is a different story. She's getting picked on, probably because she's very clucky and pacing. Hopefully that will settle down.

 

[Auntiejessi3]

She's getting picked on, probably because she's very clucky and pacing.

This is roo behavior also, that's why it attracts attention, it's the noise a roo makes to signal food. The other hens will eventually realize it's not directed to them.