Integrating broody hens with chicks

[Mixed flock enthusiast]

Hi All, we have nine hens and five ducks housed in a 16x32 run with attached coop. Five of these are dominant (mean girls) and are 1 yr old now whereas other 4 are 2 mo younger. One of the younger girls (9 Ball) at mid range of dominance has hatched eggs and been housed in her own portion of run for last 2.5 weeks with 12 chicks she hatched. 9 Ball was never completely removed, but was fenced off as mean girls started picking on her when she became broody. We want to integrate the broody/chicks with the flock. When I’ve tried intros on a limited basis, one of two things happen: 1) if hens (and ducks) were originally lower than her on pecking order, then 9 Ball immediately attacks them. 2) if hens were higher than her (mean girls) then 9 Ball fluffs up and tries to move her brood away, even when a mean girl pecked a chick that got too close. “Integration” as I had understood it is not really happening here. Question: how do I safely integrate the broody/chicks with the rest of the flock?

 

[Mvan42]

See no touch for a while. My broody is doing the same thing she has three our broody is doing similar things. We allow them to be together for a little while in the evenings, I observe and make sure no one is to violent. Everything seems to be going ok. The others are not bothering this chicks as much.

 

[Mrs. K]

Pull the meanest ones, put them where you had the broody/chicks. Let the broody and chicks and the milder chickens get things worked out. Then slowly add a mean one, one at a time.

 

[aart]

Take the fence down and let them work it out.
Separating again is just starting it all over again.
Leave the nest where it is for them to still use as a shelter and sleeping place.
It's not fun but broody has to reestablish her place and that is best done while her 'broody' is still strong.
A creep feed area for the chicks is a good idea, so they can eat and drink in peace.