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.
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.
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.
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.
