Day-old chicks with a previously broody hen?

[HuntingChick14]

I lost one of my two chickens a few days ago to a raccoon, so I bought some fertile eggs to add to my "flock." My one remaining chicken was wicked broody for a few weeks, but since the attack, she isn't broody anymore. I'm assuming I'm now gonna have to use an incubator to hatch the eggs, but can I put the chicks in with her once they hatch? Or do I have to use a brooder and wait to introduce them? Thanks in advance!

 

[azygous]

If you expect the not-broody-now hen to adopt and brood the day-olds, you will likely be disappointed. But you certainly may brood the chicks in proximity to this hen, and it will be beneficial to all concerned.

You do this by setting up a brooding pen in your coop or run, if it's protected from the weather and predators. I have an article on how to do this and the numerous benefits. https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...and-start-raising-your-chicks-outdoors.71995/

Under this system, the chicks can be mingling with the adult hen by the time they're two or three weeks old. They can be moved into the coop permanently around age five or six weeks and taught to roost.

 

[Luke Phillips]

I would use a brooder and wait to separate them.

 

[HuntingChick14]

Great article! I think I might look to get a cheap wire dog crate and cut some spots in it for the partitions. I don't have a ton of room in my run, but I think I can make it work that way. Thanks for the great advice!