Roosters *usually* will not mess with chicks. It is in their best interest to protect "their" offspring. However each circumstance may be different and should be monitored for potential problems. It is *usually* any teens that I have in my flock that create the biggest issue.
Younger is better. All feed stores get their chicks shipped so will be not less than 2-3 days old. One of my LFS will not release hers until they are 5 days old. I call both to see which has breeds I am most interested in even on their next shipment and the ages. If they have breeds coming or current ones are too old, it is worth it to me to let her sit another week. I prefer doing business with the lady who won't release hers so most have been 6 days old. I pick them up and put them in a brooder so I can see everybody is eating and drinking. I try to make sure nobody has pasty butt at the store but always check again because it is very common and deadly. (If I am giving chicks I go ahead and let her sit on fake eggs, not that I think it matters). After being sure all are well, and it's well after dark. We use a flashlight and remove the eggs and tuck the chicks under. Turn off the light and listen. No sound for a couple minutes. Shine the light to make sure everybody is cozy. Next day I provide feed and water very near by because chicks that hatch naturally still have their yolks. the older chicks have already used theirs and it seems to take the mamas a couple days minimum before they will head off the nest. During this time they feel the chicks moving around and hear their voices and she clucks to them so they learn hers!
You'd be surprised how important this is so they can follow her around and not get lost. I had 3 black silkies raising chicks at the same time, it was a little confusing for the babies but there weren't too many mix ups. My broody that hatched her own eggs took her babies out at 3 days old. Most the ones I adopt to don't sit nearly that long so it takes them a little longer to bring them out. I usually go out the next morning and lift mama off the chicks and show them the food and water as well as observe if she pecks at me or them! Even if she isn't yet showing them the food as long as she isn't acting aggressive towards the chicks then it is going well. 
I make sure a couple times throughout the first couple days they know how to get to food and water or at least until I hear her food calling. I stay long enough to see they tuck back under her and warm up without trouble. There will come a point when you kn ow you hit the safe zone. It's a little bit of trouble but it is also really special.
So I would never go less than 2, but recommend 3 chicks, up to 4 seems OK beyond that it get's much harder for my mamas.
I prefer variety (but that's personal)..
So not less than 2 chicks and beyond 6 or 7 days seems like it will be harder also to get the chicks to accept the mama not just the other way.
Regarding the kennel, you are correct. I took out the plastic bottom and attached 1/2 in hardware cloth with zip ties to hold it down. I slide the plastic in and use it when needed. Yes the tray slides out, it has it's own little latch.
Sorry so much detail!
Younger is better. All feed stores get their chicks shipped so will be not less than 2-3 days old. One of my LFS will not release hers until they are 5 days old. I call both to see which has breeds I am most interested in even on their next shipment and the ages. If they have breeds coming or current ones are too old, it is worth it to me to let her sit another week. I prefer doing business with the lady who won't release hers so most have been 6 days old. I pick them up and put them in a brooder so I can see everybody is eating and drinking. I try to make sure nobody has pasty butt at the store but always check again because it is very common and deadly. (If I am giving chicks I go ahead and let her sit on fake eggs, not that I think it matters). After being sure all are well, and it's well after dark. We use a flashlight and remove the eggs and tuck the chicks under. Turn off the light and listen. No sound for a couple minutes. Shine the light to make sure everybody is cozy. Next day I provide feed and water very near by because chicks that hatch naturally still have their yolks. the older chicks have already used theirs and it seems to take the mamas a couple days minimum before they will head off the nest. During this time they feel the chicks moving around and hear their voices and she clucks to them so they learn hers!
You'd be surprised how important this is so they can follow her around and not get lost. I had 3 black silkies raising chicks at the same time, it was a little confusing for the babies but there weren't too many mix ups. My broody that hatched her own eggs took her babies out at 3 days old. Most the ones I adopt to don't sit nearly that long so it takes them a little longer to bring them out. I usually go out the next morning and lift mama off the chicks and show them the food and water as well as observe if she pecks at me or them! Even if she isn't yet showing them the food as long as she isn't acting aggressive towards the chicks then it is going well. I make sure a couple times throughout the first couple days they know how to get to food and water or at least until I hear her food calling. I stay long enough to see they tuck back under her and warm up without trouble. There will come a point when you kn ow you hit the safe zone. It's a little bit of trouble but it is also really special.So I would never go less than 2, but recommend 3 chicks, up to 4 seems OK beyond that it get's much harder for my mamas.
I prefer variety (but that's personal)..So not less than 2 chicks and beyond 6 or 7 days seems like it will be harder also to get the chicks to accept the mama not just the other way.
Regarding the kennel, you are correct. I took out the plastic bottom and attached 1/2 in hardware cloth with zip ties to hold it down. I slide the plastic in and use it when needed. Yes the tray slides out, it has it's own little latch.
Sorry so much detail!
I think tomorrow I might get some chicks. Our chickens have 2 coops. They lay eggs in one and sleep in the other.(Weird, right?) We have 20 fullgrown hens and one rooster. Michigan, my hen, sits in the laying coop. Will she stay in there with her babies, or will she lead them to the sleeping coop? Should I give Michigan and her chicks starter feed, or will they eat pellets? Am I asking to many questions? I am new to this and (I guess) don't know much about broody hens!!
