Broody Raising Chicks Questions

[ChickenGirl555]

These are a few questions I have about my broody raising chicks...My main concerns are integration and injuries/death...

1. During lockdown/hatching, would the broody leave her chicks, or stay with them the whole time? Like would she take an eating/drinking/pooping break during this time?

2. I am deciding if I should have the broody be separate or be with the flock. I have a few chick-aggressive hens. Could I separate the aggressive hens from the flock during lockdown, in a coop where they could be seen by everybody? I don't want the chicks to be killed, but I also want integration to be as smooth as possible.

3. When would the broody take her chicks out of the coop? Both coops are off the ground, forcing them to either fly down or use the ladder.

I might have more questions after this, but this is all I can think of for right now. Thanks if you're able to answer any!

 

[HenOnAJuneBug]

1. From my experience the mother stays on the nest until all eggs are hatched. She'll get up to eat/drink and poop. That's why I always have a waterer and feeder close to her so that she can just reach over and eat and drink. The babies eat and drink from the same.
   
2. I've never had a problem with others being aggressive towards chicks.
3. Again from my experience the mother leaves the nest once the last egg is hatched. The chicks will follow her wherever she goes so they would need a ramp if she leaves the coop. Mine are out free ranging outside the coop with mom on day 1 or 2.

 

[ChickenGirl555]

1. From my experience the mother stays on the nest until all eggs are hatched. She'll get up to eat/drink and poop. That's why I always have a waterer and feeder close to her so that she can just reach over and eat and drink. The babies eat and drink from the same.
   
2. I've never had a problem with others being aggressive towards chicks.
3. Again from my experience the mother leaves the nest once the last egg is hatched. The chicks will follow her wherever she goes so they would need a ramp if she leaves the coop. Mine are out free ranging outside the coop with mom on day 1 or 2.

Well I guess I'll take my chances with the aggressive hens. After all, Nugget, the one who is constantly going broody and most likely will be the mother, is the highest in the pecking order. Hopefully, the others respect her enough to not touch her chicks. But if I see any aggression I'll be putting the bullies in "time out" in the smaller, boring coop. It's big enough for 4 at once, so they can stay in there for a few days if needed.