Do I move the hen back?

[mrsmcd]

11 days ago I removed the Hen from her 4/5 week old chicks and the father because she was attacking them due to wanting to have another clutch.

The chicks have done really well with dad, they are completely independent and I think Taco is ready for his new home with my dad. My new dilemma is do I put Bella back in with Quincy and put the other chick, Kiwi, into his own cage. The adult birds are being very vocal to each other (from separate rooms) and Bella is being very destructive with her food, throwing it out of the dishes until they are empty! I definitely think this is attention to get me to put her back with Quincy!

[Hezz]

Instead of letting the parents completely co-habit again, why not allow them to have some out-of-cage time together first? She might have gotten over her broodiness and be happy to just be one of a pair again. Let them out together and watch what happens. If he tries to jump her bones immediately, then I would give her more time away from him, or if she starts lifting her tail at him. The same goes for Kiwi, the chick. Allow them time out together free flying and watch carefully, make sure there is no aggression between any of them. If the original cage is big enough, Kiwi should be able to share with mum and dad, but until you are sure he is going to be safe, another cage is a better option.