Perpetual Mum

[chickenfan]

I have a broody hen that has never got bored of her chicks that are now nearly 4 months old. She is still busy showing them what to eat and looking after them and hasn't come back into lay. But isn't it time for her to now rejoin the flock? I just wonder if it would be ruthless to separate her.

 

[rick]

I’m just wondering (having never been in the situation I don’t know) but will the pullets be joining the flock soon? Could they all return together?

 

[dinosaw]

Quite unusual isn't it chickenfan. I wouldn't fret too much about separating her if that is what you want to do, she has done her job and I would view it as not as different in terms of upset to breaking a broody. Of course if you leave her be I doubt whether it would do any harm either.

 

[chickenfan]

Thanks Dinosaw. I just thought it might be time for the youngsters to learn to eat without Mum showing them what to do!

 

[Marigold]

Hunger is a great teacher!

 

[chickenfan]

They have never really grown up these chicks - always focussed on their attentive mum. I'm moving her outside the coop in the daytime now but she stays watching everyting they are doing and they are never more than a couple of inches away from each other. Very devoted sons.