Baby chickens, when raised by a mother hen, typically remain under her direct protective care for 6 to 10 weeks before she allows them to fully integrate with the rest of the flock and "run free."
While newly hatched chicks leave the physical nest within 24-48 hours after hatching, the phrase "stay in the nest" in this context refers to the extended period of close maternal supervision and protection a hen provides. During this time, the chicks are kept separate or closely guarded by the hen, often in a designated brooding area, before they are considered robust enough to join the larger adult flock.
The Brooding Period: A Hen's Instinctive Care
A mother hen instinctively knows when her chicks are ready for more independence and to join the general population of chickens. This crucial brooding period allows the chicks to develop strength, learn essential survival skills from their mother, and gain sufficient weight to thrive independently within the flock hierarchy.
Factors Influencing Integration Time:
The exact timing for a hen to release her chicks into the main flock can vary based on several factors, as highlighted by the provided reference:
- Hen's Individual Instincts: Some hens are more cautious than others.
- Chick Development: The chicks' growth rate and weight gain play a significant role. Healthier, faster-growing chicks might be integrated sooner.
| Age of Chicks | Hen's Action | Description
