Hatching chicks under a hen

[Mads Chicksens]

Hi so next year I'm thinking about hatching chicks under a broody hen and I just needed to know whether or not it is safe to do it in the coop with other chooks? The chooks can free range all day but will be locked in with the broody hen at night. Thanks for your help

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

Ultimately, it's a decision each has to make for their own flock - but I have never separated a broody from the flock for hatching. The above picture is the first hatch in my most recent flock - she brooded in one of the nest boxes in the coop and she and the chicks have been living with the flock since. If using an untried broody it can be a good idea to keep an eye on things and make sure that mams is able to hold her own, set boundaries and is attentive enough to her chicks to keep them happy, healthy and safe. My personal view is there is more trouble likely to happen by isolating the hen and having to go through re-integration at some point between the flock and mama/babies. By having the broody and chicks remain with the flock that issue is avoided.

 

[Mads Chicksens]

Thank you. I thought it would be much easier if I could just leave her in her coop with the rest. Thanks again