Broody and new babies

[Kelly&Co]

Ya I raised these girls from day one. The chicks I’m getting are “day ones” but of course are getting shipped so they will be a few days old. I have no Roos so they eggs she sits on are not hatch able and we take them every night. So when I get them I should just let her sit in those eggs for the whole day and then late at night go do the switch? What about the others hens in the coop? Will they leave the babies alone? I’m worried about going in the next morning to dead or hurt babies.

How are the other chickens dealing with her sitting on the eggs? Are they trying to lay in the same box? Forcing her off the nest? (This was happening to ours but I didn't realize it until I saw it, thought they were just getting on when she wanted to take a break) . If they're bothering her at all, I would isolate her somehow so they can bond a couple days and chicks don't get injured in scuffles over the nest. Our other girls have left the broody and her babies alone pretty much and she's happy to let them know if she thinks they are getting too close.

 

[BroodyMama1]

I know she growles at them. And yes they all want the same box though there is 3. I’ve had a few cracked eggs since her broody.