How can I integrate my lone hen with my new chicks?

[Mba]

Willow, my only chicken, has always been alone since birth. Now that I have finally hatched out more chicks, I need to know how to get Willow to join them without attacking or running away.

 

[BlindLemonChicken]

The basic integration method is usually to do a see-no-touch confinement for a couple weeks—something like a wire dog kennel inside a run so the hen can get used to the chicks.

 

[Mrs. K]

What you need are escapes, that the chicks can get to, that a larger bird can't follow. A lot depends on your coop/run. Post some pictures.

A pallet, in the middle of the run, up on blocks so just a couple inches off the ground, chicks can run under it from all 4 sides. I feed the chicks there. I have also used a larger box on it's side, as a outdoor shelter, with a wire fence in front of it, big enough for the chicks to get through it, and the big can't follow.

Personally, I get mine in there around 3-4 weeks. Being little, they are fast as lightening, and not that intimidating to the older hen.

Do add them on a day that you can spend most of the day watching to be sure.