Broody hen w older chicks fights hens

[Bigbluefrog]

My broody Plymouth Rock hatched 2 chicks June 1.
So almost 5 weeks old, momma is good with chicks in brooder attached to main coop. Seperate enclosed yard next to big run. All visible to each other. The broody will attack all the hens. Rip feathers. So she only gets in. Ig run for a short time while others are still locked in coop. What can I do to help introduce back in flock.
I did try free ranging but my cats were too curious of chicks and I was worried they might grab one.

 

[igorsMistress]

This is normal, but also possibly a lack of space problem. Put the cats inside and let the chickens out so they have space but can mingle if they want. Mama will take the babies back in to her space at night. Put some clutter in the run to break up line of sight. It could be bins or buckets, some wood, a stack of pavers, etc. Be sure there are no dead ends so if mama shows at one entrance the other hens can escape through the back door. Be sure to have at least two separate feeders and waterers set up and that they don’t have line of sight.

 

[SourRoses]

She's defending her babies, that's her job. Without a defensive broody, unmotherly feeling hens will attack and hurt the chicks.

 

[aart]

Better get them all back into the flock before she loses her broody fierce or the chicks may be targeted.

I put the broody and her chicks back in with the flock by about a week after hatch. Yes, the mama will fight with the other hens until she reestablishes her place in the pecking order. It can be ugly but usually passes pretty quickly.

 

[Bigbluefrog]

Better get them all back into the flock before she loses her broody fierce or the chicks may be targeted.

I put the broody and her chicks back in with the flock by about a week after hatch. Yes, the mama will fight with the other hens until she reestablishes her place in the pecking order. It can be ugly but usually passes pretty quickly.

Oh a week ?! I thought I had to do the same as chicks from the store.
New lesson here.

 

[Bigbluefrog]

Sorry late in replying we had a death in the family so my mind has been elsewhere

 

[Bigbluefrog]

i am trying to integrate with supervision

 

[Bigbluefrog]

She's defending her babies, that's her job. Without a defensive broody, unmotherly feeling hens will attack and hurt the chicks.

Mt first Broody with chicks.
Learning all the time.

 

[Bigbluefrog]

This is normal, but also possibly a lack of space problem. Put the cats inside and let the chickens out so they have space but can mingle if they want. Mama will take the babies back in to her space at night. Put some clutter in the run to break up line of sight. It could be bins or buckets, some wood, a stack of pavers, etc. Be sure there are no dead ends so if mama shows at one entrance the other hens can escape through the back door. Be sure to have at least two separate feeders and waterers set up and that they don’t have line of sight.

Done! Put up safe spaces for chicks too.

 

[Bigbluefrog]

Chicks are doing great
Roosting w the big girls