[katog]

The chicks are 6.5 weeks old and have stopped fighting for now.... Mother Hen is acting weird today - when I let them all out for a wander as usual she left them to themselves and started to make a nest elsewhere.
Is she going broody again? Why? Do the chicks still need her? Can I start introducing them to our other hens? They've been in full view of each other but haven't been able to touch. Too many questions...sorry.

[Fowlman]

She maybe coming back into lay.

[in the hills]

Yes, as Fowlman says. I wouldn't think she would go broody again until she is back in lay. My mother hen came back into lay yesterday and is less interested in her chicks now. I find that some want to leave their chicks earlier than others. One of my peeks left after 6 weeks whereas my Friesian mum defended her young until they were as big as her! 


If they free range in the day, you might find that one evening mum returns to the main hen house and leaves the babes behind.    Her job is done.

[katog]

Yes indeed she did lay an egg today - she still seems happy enough to be with the chicks so I'll leave them together just now.
I presume the chicks don't move in with the other hens till they are much bigger?

[in the hills]

I don't put mine in until they are much older - near point of lay or at least big enough to stand up for themselves. A neighbour of mine lets broody mum take them into the barn with the other hens when she feels it is time. They have lots of space there ...... think it depends a bit upon how your others are housed, etc.