Mix new pullets with broody?

[BLaBauve]

I tried to add a few new pullets to my flock recently. They are several months old now and ready to be with the big girls. I just happen to have a broody hen right now sitting on eggs in the coop. Most of the chickens were OK with the new girls - besides the usual pecking order orientation. But the broody was down right vicious! She takes long breaks from her eggs when it's really hot and spent a lot of time going after the new kids. So I had to remove them. Is this normal for a broody to be extra mean to new kids? Should I try adding the young pullets once she isn't broody? If she hatches chicks will she get even meaner?

 

[saladin]

I never let a hen hatch chicks with other hens/pullets present; they are too likely to eat the chicks. saladin