[jinty1911]

Just for future reference, how and when do you introduce the mother hen and her chicks back to the flock? (well the other 2 chooks)  .  Think this is one for Joyful?   

[joyfull]

mine are in full view of the others from when they are hatched. I have always kept them in a little coop and run next to the others and after a couple of weeks the mums have usually started to go stir crazy. This is when I let them out (after they have had a good helping of chick crumb) and then get them back in mid afternoon again for more crumb. The other birds all love the chick crumb so I have to remove this during the day to stop them eating it all 

[jinty1911]

So will Mum protect her chicks?  Would hate to think that the other 2 would pick on them (though I think they are more likely to be chick-napped  ).

I have a large unused rabbit hutch that I am thinking of using, after adapting the roof so that it lifts up.  Do you think this would be ok?  Will make them a little run as well.

[joyfull]

yes mum will either get them out of the way or hide them under her, occasionally the higher up hens will have a little peck at both mum and chicks but in the cases of my chickens nothing serious. When you first let them out keep an eye on all of them just to be sure though  . If you have cockerels you may need to be a little bit wary however mine have never gone for the chicks - you know your birds better than me so will know whether to keep them seperate until they are bigger 

[jinty1911]

No boys, and so far have never even seen the girls have a squabble.  Don't even know who top chook is though I suspect it might be Gladys because she is first out in the morning.  Can't wait for Spring Yahoo!!!!