[rosie14]

I have a 5 week old chick and mum currently seperated in the broody enclosure. It's not possible to put it alongside nor inside the coop to integrate them. The chick is still being 'mothered' and the Orpington mummy is happy with the arrangement still atm. I have let them free range in the garden together since lunch time with our other hen, a Welsummer and all seems fine apart from a 'get away' peck from the WS towards the chick  . Shall I just get on with it and herd all 3 of them all back into the chicken run and go from there? I can't let the dog out until they are away where ever that may be

[richyrich7]

1st day out together ?  then I'd not as they seem to need quiet a while to get used to each other, alright while there's plenty of space but when their locked up again might be a different story

[joyfull]

as they are on different feeds I would still keep them seperate except for when you can supervise them.

[rosie14]

Thanks guys 

I didn't feel entirely comfortable doing it today so didn't lol! The little one has most of its adult feathering but not all and it just didn't feel 'right' in case it did get a hard time it's not even got the protection of feathers! The mama hen also got a few 'I'm in charge pecks' from the WS and she took it submissively. She's clearly dropped rank!

I will keep having them out when I can like normal but when would it be a good time? What's the guide? Thanks x

[joyfull]

I leave the decision up to the broodies - but try to keep them separate for part of the day until they are all on layers - I say try but have had several broods hatched in hedgerows who have never been inside a coop or kept separate  .

[rosie14]

Hi, thanks joyfull. Yours are being raised the best way in mho  The little monkey has been eating her (I hope it's a her!) mama's corn and layers for literally weeks lol! She has of course been scoffing her own food too