adding a single hen (who is notoriously broody) to my flock--advice?

[haTHOR]

i am adding a single BO, extremely broody hen from an acquaintance's flock. i know it will be stressful for her. but she lives in a crappy situation (she is caged, in a tiny coop, or in a tiny run there) and will have plenty of room here and be able to free range and have chicks, which she can't there (no roo).

i'll isolate her in a mobile coop when she arrives, so she'll have roosting/nesting space to herself as well as ground access (24 sf). is there a way to make her quarantine period less stressful for her, since she'll be all alone? maybe hand feeding her, treats...anything else? electrolytes maybe? i wish i could take two birds from her flock but the owner will only giver her up (since she won't lay eggs and pecks him all the time when he gathers eggs).

i know she won't just magically stay broody when we move her, but i hope that after the quarantine period she might go back to it, and when she does i'll have "her" coop for her again, so perhaps she'll be used to it, and can lay, hatch, and brood them there.

anyone else added a "designated broody" like this?

 

[CityClucks]

Treats and socialization with humans may help during her quarantine period - do you have any area in your setup that would allow her to free range separate from the rest of your flock now and then. Since her current owner won't send another hen with her, it sounds like you're doing the best you can. Once she integrates into your flock she is likely to return to her broody ways. Others may have more helpful advice - good luck!