It’s always a thrilling experience when one of your hens goes broody and decides to hatch her eggs. In my case, my Wyandotte hen, Mildred, recently hatched two adorable chicks in her little maternity ward just outside the main coop.
However, as a responsible chicken owner, I needed to ensure the safety and well-being of Mildred and her chicks, as well as the rest of my flock. Here’s how I did it:
Creating a Safe Space for Broody Hen and Chicks
To keep Mildred and her chicks safe, I created a separate area for them just outside the main coop. I used a giant wire crate, with chicken wire separating them from the rest of the flock.
This way, they could socialize with the flock but also stay protected from potential harm. I made this decision because I was concerned about the height of the nesting boxes, which were 18-24 inches off the ground, and I didn’t want the babies to fall and injure themselves.
What to Do with Unhatched Eggs
After Mildred hatched two of her eggs, I was left with three unhatched ones. I noticed that Mildred was frequently leaving the remaining eggs, which made me think they might not hatch. However, I wasn’t sure when I could safely integrate Mildred and her chicks back into the main coop with the rest of the flock.
Integrating Broody Hen and Chicks Back into the Flock
After doing some research and talking to other chicken keepers, I found that the answer to this question depends on your particular flock’s temperament.
In my experience, it’s best to let Mildred and her chicks roam with the rest of the flock when she’s ready to take them out. If the other chickens didn’t pick on Mildred before she hatched her chicks, then they’re unlikely to do so after the chicks have hatched.
However, it’s always a good idea to keep an eye on them for the first day or two, just to make sure that the flock isn’t going to bother them. I’ve never had a problem with my flock, and the roosters have always looked out for the little ones.
However, each flock is unique and has its temperament. Some flocks may be more aggressive towards newcomers, while others may be more accepting.
You’ll need to use your judgment and observe your flock to determine when it’s safe to introduce Mildred and her chicks back into the main coop.
Keeping Broody Hen and Chicks Safe During Integration
I needed to keep my broody hen and her chicks safe during integration with the rest of the flock. After my hen hatched her chicks, I kept them separate from the flock for at least three weeks in a separate area, such as a tote within the main coop.
This separate area provided the new mother and her chicks with a safe and comfortable environment, free from the potential hazards that may be present when mingling with other chickens. It also gave the new family time to bond and grow stronger before being exposed to the rest of the flock.
While they were in the tote, I ensured that the area was well-ventilated and kept clean. I lined the bottom of the tote with bedding, such as straw or shavings, to keep it warm and comfortable for the chicks.
Once the three weeks had passed, it was time to start integrating my hen and her chicks with the rest of the flock. This process was done gradually to prevent any aggression or bullying from the other chickens. I started by allowing the new family to mingle with the other chickens for short periods, under my supervision.
During this time, I closely monitored the behavior of both the new family and the rest of the flock. If any aggression or bullying occurred, I separated them again until they were ready to be reintroduced.
When I was ready to reintroduce my hen and her chicks to the rest of the flock, I did it gradually and under my supervision. I started by allowing them to mingle with the other chickens for short periods and gradually increased the duration. This gave them time to adjust to each other’s presence and establish their hierarchy within the flock.
I remembered that every flock is different, so the integration process may take longer for some than others. It was important to be patient and monitor the situation closely to ensure the safety and happiness of all my feathered friends.
Conclusion
Creating a safe and comfortable environment for your broody hen and her chicks is essential. Separating them from the rest of the flock may be necessary to ensure their safety, but integrating them back into the flock is possible when done carefully and with the right precautions. Always keep an eye on your flock, observe their behavior, and use your best judgment to ensure the safety and happiness of all your feathered friends.
