chicks with hens

[Ladobaze]

im a newbie and have an extremely broody hen. Im wanting to either get some hatching eggs or some day old chicks (havent decided yet) and let her raise them. Do I need to wait the 21 days? She’s been sitting for about 9 days now. She’s a first timer.

 

[MarkJr]

I gave my broody just over a week to make sure she was serious about being broody. Popped 5 chicks under her at 2 in the afternoon (most wait until after dark. My broody would adopt a Great Dane) and the hen did all of the rest of the work. My nest boxes are ground level so she used the box until about 4 weeks when she moved the chicks to the perch.

She was never separated. She kept safe distance from other flock members and the babies at all times. Returned them to coop each night to sleep (they free range) and has been their protector in every way. If they get knocked off the roost at night, she makes room on the roost so they can get back up.

To me..... it’s the only way to go. She’s gradually integrating into the flock currently. If the other hen pecks once to get space she’s ok with it. If hen starts being overly aggressive, momma hen opens a can of whip’em good and life goes back to normal.

 

[Ladobaze]

I gave my broody just over a week to make sure she was serious about being broody. Popped 5 chicks under her at 2 in the afternoon (most wait until after dark. My broody would adopt a Great Dane) and the hen did all of the rest of the work. My nest boxes are ground level so she used the box until about 4 weeks when she moved the chicks to the perch.

She was never separated. She kept safe distance from other flock members and the babies at all times. Returned them to coop each night to sleep (they free range) and has been their protector in every way. If they get knocked off the roost at night, she makes room on the roost so they can get back up.

To me..... it’s the only way to go. She’s gradually integrating into the flock currently. If the other hen pecks once to get space she’s ok with it. If hen starts being overly aggressive, momma hen opens a can of whip’em good and life goes back to normal.

this is SO sweet and what I was hoping to hear! Im sure it varies with each chicken but I just have a gut feeling this is how things will go with mine. Thanks!

 

[Cturber]

If you give her chicks, make sure she has sat long enough that eggs should be hatching.