Need help integrating Broody Raised Chicks

[Egghead_Jr]

I'm with aart in thinking it might be over with on that encounter. Believer in chickens working it out unless there is start of injury. I've had to intervene on occasions and nature is unpredictable but if at all possible leave them to it. If they can work it out it's done and over quickly apposed to dragging out the pecking by multiple re-introductions.

 

[Mrs. K]

When the hen was brooding the eggs, did you have her separated from the flock? Because that might be causing some of this, not only are the chicks new, but so is the stranger hen.

I too, think you are passed the worse, I would not separate anyone, or they will have to work it out again!

 

[kharmon320]

When the hen was brooding the eggs, did you have her separated from the flock? Because that might be causing some of this, not only are the chicks new, but so is the stranger hen.

I too, think you are passed the worse, I would not separate anyone, or they will have to work it out again!

I did have her separated within the run. They could see/hear her. I'm not completely comfortable with just leaving them mixed at this time, because I'm not home during the day to check on the chicks. I let them out several times yesterday. She's been sticking closer to home base, BUT she's been more puffed up and aggressive with the other two. She has "hen-pecked" Olive several times and poor Olive just sits there with her head down in a submissive position. That's good for the chicks. Ginger has mostly avoided her. I plan to let them out every evening this week when I'm home and this weekend make a more permanent move. My plan is to put the broody box/run up on 2x4's or Cinder Blocks to elevate it high enough for the chicks to get under for a panic room. Rosemary won't be able to get in during the day, but I'll open it back up in the evening so they can sleep in the nest. That way the chicks can move in/out of the broody box to be with Rosemary.

Thanks so much for all of the suggestions! If I were home during the day, I would definitely see how they handle it for a full day, but I don't want to come home to abused chicks.

 

[cochinfan05]

I'm so glad I'm not the only one that has had to deal with broody drama this year. My first broody of the season turned out to be not the greatest mom. She raised the chicks for 2 weeks in the flock.....then I came home to 2 bloodied chicks being viciously attacked by several hens. I did the only thing I could, I removed them from the flock and in the brooder they went. Now my second broody of the year just hatched 3 chicks and I'm terrified to let them out of the kennel. I've always allowed broodies to raise the chicks in the flock, this time just didn't work out well..... Hopefully this mother will do better, but I don't think I'll ever feel as secure with the chicks safety ever again.
Let me just add that both these mothers are under a year old, and now the first broody wants to steal the seconds chicks which makes me even more nervous.

 

[kharmon320]

I'm still really nervous about the integration. The broody box is raised up so the chicks can get underneath and escape with food and water inside the broody pen. The hens cannot get in, but the chicks can come and go from 3 sides. Ginger is still being really mean to the chicks. When she starts chasing one then Olive joins in. No one is bloody, so I'm really trying to let the chickens be chickens.