I’m not so smart in some areas

[jhharlan]

My brooding hen has been given extra eggs, fertile, by me. When they hatch will she treat her bedmates any different? Will they still be welcomed? Do I need a second coop? I’ve got three grown hens riding on your answers. Please inform me on what to expect.

 

[Percheron chick]

She will be none the wiser. I have had Cochin hatch guineas and they couldn't have been more attentive mothers. It's never a bad idea to have a separate area designated for the hen and chicks. Some chicks wander too far away and can't find the way home and some hens kill other hens babies.

 

[DucksAreBest]

Hello, welcome to BackYard Chickens! Thank you for joining our community.

 

[Chick-N-Fun]

Welcome to our FUN-omenal Community!

I hope you enjoy BYC as much as we do!

 

[Pork Pie]

Hi and welcome to BYC. These links may be interesting - http://www.backyardchickens.com/a/guide-to-letting-broody-hens-hatch-and-raise-chicks

http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/4...ody-hen-hatch-a-long-and-informational-thread

http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/496101/broody-hen-thread

 

[DobieLover]

Hello and welcome to BYC! Glad you joined.
She will allow others birds nest her chicks that she feels are safe to be near. Others she will drive off. Do you have enough space for a broody to work with? What are your plans for the boys she hatches?

 

[NatJ]

My brooding hen has been given extra eggs, fertile, by me. When they hatch will she treat her bedmates any different? Will they still be welcomed? Do I need a second coop? I’ve got three grown hens riding on your answers. Please inform me on what to expect.

The hen should be happy to take care of all the chicks.

But she will probably chase the other hens away, to protect her babies from them. (The other hens will probably not hurt the chicks, but the hen may not trust them.)

You might need a second coop for a while. I have seen hens that wanted all other chickens to stay at least 10 feet away from their chicks, which is not possible in many coops! Or you might be able to divide your current coop, depending on how big it is. A piece of chicken wire or hardware cloth often works well for splitting a pen.

 

[45lk9p459gm-w]

Welcome to BYC .... The learning place

 

[N F C]

Good input from the previous greeters!

Best wishes for a good hatch.

 

[sourland]

Some hens are aggressive towards another hen's chicks, but most are not. Given enough space I doubt there will be significant problems.