BROODY HEN

[BLACKCATFARM]

HI,
I HAVE A HEN THAT HAS BEEN BROODY. WHEN SHE COMES OUT OF THE NESTING BOX TO GET SOMETHING TO EAT, A FEW OF THE OTHER HENS BECOME AGGRESSIVE TOWARD HER. IS THAT NORMAL? AND, MY SECONDARY QUESTION IS; WILL IT BE SAFE FOR HER TO HAVE CHICKS AROUND WITH THAT BEHAVIOR?
THANK YOU TO ANYONE AND EVERYONE THAT HAS SOME INSIGHT!

 

[sourland]

Because of her change in demeanor the flock regards her as a stranger and their behavior is normal. Whether or not she will be able to raise her chicks in the flock depends on the space available and her mothering instincts. In a small pen/coop situation it can be difficult for a hen to raise chicks in the flock. Larger pen and more space it is a good idea.

 

[BLACKCATFARM]

GREAT! THAT'S WHAT I WAS THINKING, TOO; ABOUT THE OTHER CHICKENS THINKING THAT SHE IS A STRANGER. IF SHE IS STILL BROODY IN A COUPLE OF WEEKS, I'M GOING TO PICK UP A FEW CHICKS FOR HER. THANKS SO MUCH FOR YOUR REPLY.