4m x 3m Omlet pen, cube, new auto door still boxed and coop light

[Moozle]

Hi All,

Well the chicks are 5 weeks old now and Meggy has been a perfect mum. This morning I noticed she has been having the odd peck at them and was looking rather grumpy. I went in the broody coop to clean them out and found 2 eggs! then when I walked past Meggy she crouched down which she hasnt done for ages.

 

I have pulled her out and put her with the other big girls, she seems quite pleased about this. The chicks being only 5 weeks I do not want to let free range with her as they are too small. Meggy is loving being out but occasionally looks like she is anxious to get back in with the chicks Do you think i should put Meggy back in with them at night or just encourage her to stay with the other girls now that shes laying again? Also do you think she will still look out for the chicks once they are free ranging, or has she washed her hands of them?

She is also very nasty to Mildred who has been in the pen next to her all along with no bother, but now shes on the ouside and seeing her with her chicks from the other side of the pen is being a bolshy madam She cant get her, but she wants to!

Any input greatfully recieved.

[Redwing]

I would leave her away from the chicks now, they are just about old enough to be without her and she may injure them if she gets too fed up

[Egluntyne]

I agree. She will lose patience very rapidly with them now.

[teri]

i'd agree with the others and leave her seperated. the chicks will snuggle together to keep warm and are surprisingly independant even at five weeks

[The Dogmother]

Sounds like her stint brooding has come to an end; she'll want to have less contact with them now.

[Moozle]

Thanks for the advice. I left her out last night and she just resumed her position in the big coop with the others. The chicks were fine and seem to be able to look after themselves. Meggy was on the attack for the other big girls but I guess she was just getting the pecking order sorted out again.

Shes loving being out and led the others astray into next doors garden

[Chook n Boo Mum]

.

Shes loving being out and led the others astray into next doors garden

 

Making up for lost time eh

 

Sha x