broody/bitties

[jetskier506]

One hen had about 15 bitties, and one day three something got in and killed all but 5. So this hen is super protective of them. I have another hen trying to go broody with about a dozen eggs. Could I pen The mother with the 5 bitties in a broody pen with the hen and eggs? If not Can I leave the mother and bitties out side (in a pen) and trust that they'll live?

 

[CCourson05]

It all depends. I have one mama who wouldn't let her babies get 5 feet from her, but some don't keep up and if they have several, it gets difficult... I usually put mine in a small box I built to raise chicks in, but it works for broody mamas too. You could potentially pen the two groups together. I don't think it would matter. Not until the second batch hatches. Then the mamas might fight over the food for their young. But that's a only speculation. You never know. I would say go for it.