mark_lowe Posted July 24, 2010 Share Posted July 24, 2010 my chicks are 6weeks old and the mom as started to peck them for no reason, any ideas why? how long do I keep mom away from the other chickens? When can I move mom out? do I introduce the chicks at 16 weeks old? Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christian Posted July 24, 2010 Share Posted July 24, 2010 Yes, at 6 weeks they should no longer need the heat from Mum. Put her back with the others - slowly, they may attack her as she has been away for a while. Maybe introduce her back slowly. at 16-18 weeks the chicks should be large enough to mix with the others. Again, introduce them slowly. Good luck. Will move this over to the hatching and raising chicks section for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
abwsco Posted July 24, 2010 Share Posted July 24, 2010 Not sure of your setup but if you can free range all together you can probably introduce them earlier as long as you supervise. Ours starting mixing at around 12 weeks old. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mark_lowe Posted July 24, 2010 Author Share Posted July 24, 2010 oh thank you How long would you put her with the others for each day? Would it be any good to put her with them before it gets dark as they will all sleep together? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bronze Posted July 24, 2010 Share Posted July 24, 2010 I wouldn't put the chicks in with the others yet unless you are free ranging them over a larger area. You are fine to take mum out though Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mark_lowe Posted July 24, 2010 Author Share Posted July 24, 2010 Ok Thank you. I'll take the mom out tomorrow Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
abwsco Posted July 24, 2010 Share Posted July 24, 2010 Be prepared for there to be some argey bargey towards her from the others whilst they sort out the pecking order again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mark_lowe Posted July 24, 2010 Author Share Posted July 24, 2010 thats what I thought, I've had her out without the chicks a few times but with the others females, and the 1 keeps running her away or trying To peck her, How long does it normally take for them to be normal again? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
abwsco Posted July 24, 2010 Share Posted July 24, 2010 I've only done it the once so am not an expert. Plus, my broody was at or near the bottom of the pecking order to start with. Think it took a few days to be honest. She's been broody twice this year so far but I've not sat her on eggs and it's taken a day this time when she's been back with them as she's only been away a short time. Good luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mark_lowe Posted July 24, 2010 Author Share Posted July 24, 2010 (edited) Thank you, I hope she will be ok tomorrow Edited July 25, 2010 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mark_lowe Posted July 25, 2010 Author Share Posted July 25, 2010 I have just introduced her back with the other chickens. One keeps trying to peck her. Hope they sort it out soon! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
