Allowing eggs to hatch

[watchdogps]

I don't have chickens yet, and they will be my first. I may get a mixed flock from someone, and she says some of her hens are broody. I don't mind allowing a few eggs to hatch, as we will have lots of land and I want them to eat the bugs.
However, I DO NOT want to get into incubating and stuff. Don't try to convince me, I have too many other things going on and I would feel terrible if I cooked or froze some chickies. What I am wondering is if I just allow them to hatch, can't they grow up naturally? My chickens will be free range, but I am guessing I should keep the chicks penned for a while. I do have cats that will kill small chicks. Is there a way I can set up the coop so that the chicks cant get out and the rest of the flock can get in and out at will?

 

[fshinggrl]

Not all chickens will go broody. If you have a rooster, then you will probably have fertile eggs but unless a hen goes broody, you won't get any chicks. IF you do, then I would suggest a board high enough for the chicks not to be able to get over but the chickens can get over with no issues. Enjoy your bug control!

 

[watchdogps]

Ah! Thats what I do with puppies! Good idea! The lady I am getting them from (IF we get our new house) has already warned me that two of the hens are very broody.
I was thrilled to find a nice number of birds that are already an established flock, because I didn't want to get chicks, and I know getting two birds here and two there can cause fighting. There are a dozen in this group, and they are all about 1-3 yrs old. I know the older hens may not lay much or for much longer, but that's okay they can stay and eat bugs. I dont mind being a chicken retirement home.