a couple quick questions

[emmalemons]

So right now I have a mama named Dorthy ann who is raising one baby chick. The chick is about 3 weeks old. When should I reintroduce mama and interduce the chick? and also, today I found an egg in the place that they are staying. Should this be a concern? It would be great if you could answer these questions as soon as possible thanks!
~Emma

 

[ValerieJ]

I personally wait until chicks are close to the size of the adult hens in the flock before I integrate them, even when one of my hens was raising them. With just one chick, the momma hen may be able to protect her, but I wouldn't want to ever come out to the run to find out it was a bad idea. I let them grow up in an adjacent pen so all they and the flock are well acquainted by the time I integrate. Good luck!

 

[Folly's place]

I do the opposite; my broodies and their chicks are in a big dog crate in the coop, or in a separate but within sight area in the coop, until the chicks are about one week old. Then, the door is opened to the coop when the flock is free ranging, so there's plenty of space, and I watch. One time, with a broody hen low in the social order, they went back into their separate area for another week.
The broody hen brings her babies back at night, or anytime, either to the crate, or a corner of the coop she likes better, every night.
They integrate very well, because mama is right there managing things. Over time, everyone spreads out more, but it's months. These broody raised chicks are motivated to roost early too, three weeks to four weeks, with mama.
Mary

 

[Folly's place]

Everything depends on your space available, and the temperments of all involved.
Mary

 

[50-45-1]

Of you found an egg where only the broody and chick are, she may be returning to lay. If that is the case she may begin to ween the chick anytime. If she weens the chick now its giong to be pretty hard to introduce the chick by itself.
I would get the hen and chick back with the flock ASAP and get the process started.
My hens are speatated for 2 weeks then put back with the flock. My flock free range during the day so that makes it easy for me.
Chickens in confined space have more trouble sometimes. It really depends on your chickens and there temperment.
Good luck!