[Juno]

Hi All,
i have a broodie who has kindly hatched out 6 ancona chicks they are 3 weeks old now, they are currently in a large stable with mum where she was put to keep her away from the others while sitting. they seem fine and the others can see them as the stable door has wire mesh in the door hole.

I am just wonderiing when should i let them out into the big world ? they are still only small and i don't want them taken by anything

This is both mine and hers 1st go at chick rearing !!

Your advice will be gratefully recieved x

[DinkyDill]

Hi
We let our chicks out with mum but keep them away from the rest of the flock as mum's quite protective and will fight any other hens as the moment ( our chicks are 4 weeks old ).  Hens tend to be quite clever and will hide the chicks away if she thinks theres any dangers, ours do anyway .  Good luck

[goosepimple]

Agree, some hens get very protective and will seriously fly to and fight others even remotely near her chicks.  If they are fine where they are then don't be tempted to let them out, they may get a bit bored but a nice lump of fresh straw or a big sod of grass with some wormy earth on it in the stable with them should keep them occupied for another couple of weeks.  They will be vulnerable once out and some hens can't be bothered with other hens offspring and a good peck from one of them can wipe one out straight away.

[Beewyched]

We've just started letting ours out at 4 weeks old, when the weather is nice (not very often here at the mo  ) though the broody seems to be very good at taking them back in if it starts to rain.  She's very protective of them & won't allow any of the flock anywhere near them, but them she only has 4 to keep an eye on.  It's lovely to see them out & about 

[Juno]

Thanks all, they all seem fine and quite happy i will keep them in for a bit longer