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... I keep my brood[ing] hens separated from (but within sight of) the flock during incubation, hatching, and for the first 5 to 7 days post-hatch. By the time the chicks are 1 week old, I remove the barrier and let the hen take the chicks out to mingle with the flock. Flock members tend to give broody hens plenty of space, and the hen is usually very quick to remind transgressors to back off if they get too close.
Hmm...Was the Hen still hatching and not confined safely away from the flock till all hatched?..Once hatched and she brings them off the nest are they safe from other birds.I had a broody hatch 3 chicks in the main run/coop 10 days ago. I was going to seperate them after all the eggs hatched but before I could another hen attacked 1 of the chicks. I caught her just in time and saved the chick all be it with a broken toe and severe beating, and moved them all. I will be waiting till mother wants to roost before I let her back with the others and then the chicks after that I guess, when their big enough to handle themselves and before they start to lay.