How not to let a broody hatch chicks.

[Hensndoes]

Well momma and chicks are free in a second coop with a polish pullet, favorolle pullet and FBCM cockerel all of which don't dare go near her or her babies the cockerel gets away with tidbitting them every now and again. He's being trained early to be a gentleman as momma lays into him despite his massive size. It has been suggested to me that the 5th chick didn't have issues hatching and rather mom saw it as an intruder which I can't rule in or out. All is well tho with the rest

 

[Hensndoes]

I let her go again (not that I had a choice as she can’t be broke) after 8 weeks of broody behavior- I did give her eggs eventually which I couldn’t check due to her ferocious behavior. Sadly they weren’t fertile. I found a breeder and shockingly she’s didn’t attack when I put my hands in her nest box with chicks in hand. Instead she lifted her body up and curled her head under it all clucky. And a hatchery cuckoo marans at that. My breeder bought FBCM that was also broody broke the moment I gave her 3 chicks. Nope not doing that. So freckles happily got all 7. Proud mama here.