I'm thinking pinching it off would be best. Should I or not?
It appears your hen is about to bloom. You can remove it when it is done blooming.
Here is a few links with great information.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/containers/gardening-with-strawberry-jars.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/cacti-succulents/hens-chicks/growing-hens-and-chicks.htm
Suddenly, a five- or six-inch growth has happened to my hens and chicks plant, which is growing up from the plant. Should I break this growth off or let it continue growing?
It sounds like it's getting ready to flower. The mother plant will die off after four to six years and should be removed. The plants produce a flower when mature, sending up a single stalk from 2 to 8 inches tall with a cluster of star-shaped flower buds. These should be pulled off the plant when they expire.
Why are my Sempervivum tectorum dying off at such a fast rate? I have an entire stash of succulents that I got from my aunt two years ago. Most of them thrived well until about a month ago. They are now almost all dead. I am desperate to save and propagate at least ONE because I used them in my wedding. The issue is that the hens will shrivel and die, followed by the outer leaves and so on an so forth in the plant. I have removed them from the soil in case there is a bug. Washed the root and removed all dead leaves and replanted in new soil. What else can I try?
You may have overwatered your plants.
Also if they have bloomed then the mother plants will die, this is it's normal life cycle.
Here is a few links to refresh you on the care requirements.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/cacti-succulents/hens-chicks/growing-sempervivum-plants.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/cacti-succulents/hens-chicks/hens-and-chicks-flowers.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/cacti-succulents/hens-chicks/growing-hens-and-chicks.htm
Will a plant pulled and transplanted while still wearing the purple of winter still green up as the season continues? I have made dozens of desktop gardens in ceramic containers (small) with last year's summer chickens, all green. They are great! Now I want to pull and plant for Mother's Day gifts. They still have purple edges and someone is sure to ask if they will stay those colors or not. Can you tell me the answer? Mine are all fame, as the name goes. Many thanks, Diane
The Hen's and Chick's are still dormant and will need warmer temperatures to wake up.
Make sure not to overwater the plants at this time.
The colors change on the plants over time and weather conditions.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/cacti-succulents/hens-chicks/growing-hens-and-chicks.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/cacti-succulents/hens-chicks/growing-sempervivum-plants.htm
Can they survive in a pot on the patio?
Absolutely, as long as at least several hours of full sun hit the area on the patio where you want to place them. I've grown Hens & Chicks in pots, in an old wheelbarrow and in the ground -- and in relatively poor soil, in all three, BUT they were in full sun. This article may help you:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/cacti-succulents/hens-chicks/growing-hens-and-chicks.htm
I have a strawberry pot just filled with beautiful chicks and hens and this year they are infested with ants bad. I noticed today they are carrying white eggs, maybe. How do I get rid of them and still protect my chicks and hens?
Chickens usually need a lot of room to roam. Kept in a small space, I would imagine it collecting a lot of the chicken manure and food, which would then attract the ants. Try keeping their enclosure clean. Bring out the chickens from time to time to clean it out. Also keep the surroundings clean.
You could also try buying one of those natural, non-toxic pest sprays and apply it around the enclosure every now and then.
i don't know the type I have. the leaves are thick and it is growing stalks that get longer and longer. had it two yrs, never has bloomed just grows and spreads. are the long stalks suppose to be cut?
Not seeing a photo of the "stalks" you're talking about, it's difficult to tell what it might be, but here are some articles about Hens & Chicks that might help you identify what you're growing:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/cacti-succulents/hens-chicks/growing-hens-and-chicks.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/cacti-succulents/hens-chicks/hens-and-chicks-flowers.htm