[francais]

How old would you guys say it is ok to move mum & her young into the main pen (there are only two other ladies in the main pen anyway so we arn't talking a house full.

The reason I ask is I have some chicks who are just two days old at the moment, but I am going away in 2 weeks time (so they will be about 2 1/2 weeks by then). I have three choices:

1) Leave mum & babies in their own run / pen until I get back

2) Put mum & babies into the main run

3) Move mum & leave babies

I'm only away for a week, but mother in law won't be able to move them while I'm away so it will have to be an all or nothing on one of the above really.

What do you suggest?

[redmolly]

Option 1 - leave them all where they are.

It was a few weeks before my chicks were accepted and ignored by the older hens.....viewing through the wire only!!

Mum left them of her own accord at about 6 weeks old, when she was happy they could survive alone.

When they were all out eventually in the daytime together - mum was quite tired attacking the other hens to keep them away from her babies too. When they were 6 weeks old she just returned to the flock......the babies however, chose to sleep in their old house for another 6 or so weeks before they joined the others.

Good luck!! 

[francais]

Cheers for that redmolly 

[redmolly]

Plus less worry for when you are away as all will carry on the same and mum will look after her babies xx