Is the broody starting to wean the chicks?

[SweetieChicken234]

Chicks are nearing 7 weeks old. Broody has stopped making those broody noises. One of her male chicks had a stare down with her today and she's been pushing him away all day. She isn't allowing him to eat with her and the rest of the flock. I saw the broody squat for the rooster this morning and that was new. Haven't seen that in awhile.

These are signs she's almost done with her chicks? First broody experience here.

 

[ChicNmom]

I've only had one aggressively ween her chicks by not wanting them around. The other times it seemed to be a gradual process. But it does seem like she might be done.

 

[fluffycrow]

Indeed.

Mum has started easing into her old routine, and the offspring have to start learning how to fend for themselves.

You could expect the first egg from mum soon enough as well.

The youngsters are likely to stick together after mum dumps them completely, and form their own group or sub-group, at least until they mature more and start laying themselves.

Sounds like you are quite observant!

 

[Shadrach]

Chicks are nearing 7 weeks old. Broody has stopped making those broody noises. One of her male chicks had a stare down with her today and she's been pushing him away all day. She isn't allowing him to eat with her and the rest of the flock. I saw the broody squat for the rooster this morning and that was new. Haven't seen that in awhile.

These are signs she's almost done with her chicks? First broody experience here.

All sounds normal. Mum is definitely easing the chicks into independence.
It can be pretty abrupt while other hens will tolerate/cater for some chick demands for a while. Seven weeks is a reasonable age to unload the chicks. I've had hens do it at five weeks and a bit less; others have gone on for almost three months.

 

[SweetieChicken234]

Indeed.

Mum has started easing into her old routine, and the offspring have to start learning how to fend for themselves.

You could expect the first egg from mum soon enough as well.

The youngsters are likely to stick together after mum dumps them completely, and form their own group or sub-group, at least until they mature more and start laying themselves.

Sounds like you are quite observant!

Yes I watch them all the time. I have incubator hatched older siblings from the broodys chicks and I'm trying to merge all 3 groups. It's been a bit challenging. The older chicks flock(10 weeks) has 1 cockerel. He went to square off with one of his little brothers today. He ended up knocking him down and the younger one was peeping. Mom came running and chased off the older cockerel. Lol!! Was very funny.
If I could get all of them to turn into 1 flock that would be amazing. My hens(the moms) really don't like this idea and continue to chase off the broody and all chicks. My rooster (the dad) does the same.
After today it seems the rooster is too beat from the heat. He's not chasing any chicks right now.