Chicks arriving soon….broody hen and where to do it? Questions

[Coldd]

Hi everybody,

I think this had probably been answered before elsewhere but I feel like I get different answers everywhere I look.

I’ve got a group of 10 coming my way (Beilefelders) and have a broody Jersey Giant hen I’d like to try and get to adopt them. I have a chicken coop (8x8) and run (12x15), and yard that is inhabited by two large dogs. High prey drive.

I want to raise them up outside, hopefully without heat lamp. Days are warm (80-90) and nights not so cold (60’s).

I could build an elevated brooder box inside the coop but I am concerned a little about dust/pests (even though I’ve yet to really see mites/lice etc). Outside I could find a shady spot (partial sun). Inside is more or less temperature controlled.

I have access to coop, run, garage, large dog crate, plywood/shop tools.

Thoughts on what might be ideal?

Thanks

 

[50-45-1]

Hi, my questions would be, has the broody hen been consistently broody for 2-3 weeks?
Also what are the guage openings of your fencing around the chicken run, it's hard to make out from the picture.

 

[Ridgerunner]

Thoughts on what might be ideal?

Where is the broody now? After it is dark put the chicks under her. Check the next morning at daybreak to see how it is going. Either it works or it doesn't.

If those dogs have a high prey drive keep them away.

 

[FarmerGirl101]

Agreed on what the others have said. If she does take to the chicks, make sure they can't escape to an area where the dogs can have access to them. I'd also advise keeping the dogs out of sight for a while as they grow up. My dog has a very high prey drive and can't be around chicks as he will terrorize them even though he can't get to them.

 

[50-45-1]

The bonding of the broody and chicks work best if the broody has spent the appropriate time brooding, 3 weeks...and
The chicks are new, 2 or 3 days old at the most.
Removing the fake eggs that broody has been sitting on, after dark works best and replacing with chicks. In the morning you will know of it worked.
This works for me every time.

 

[50-45-1]

Of that outside fencing has opening of over an inch, add a layer of 1/4 inch hardware cloth that will be tall enough that the chick can't escape into the dog area.