We had a broody hen..first time, one of our barred rocks became broody and I decided to let her hatch a batch of eggs.(Not my best chicken decision)when I knew that hatching was going to be any day, we took turns listening outside for peeping. Thank goodness we did. Found one lone chick UNDER the coop with mamma hen (I use the term mamma very loosely),still sitting on her nest of 5 little chicks that she had clearly killed! Took the petrified chick and put it in our brooder. The only thing that I am really worried about is when it is time to introduce this baby into the flock, I don't think it will stand a chance. Needless to say there will be no more hens brooding the eggs around here! We have 33 hens and 1 rooster. Any suggestions? Also, I think that I will invest in an incubator for next time- what kind does everyone else use. How much should I expect to pay?
I would guess either find some more chicks, or let it grow a few weeks/months, and then pull out a buddy for it - one of the calmer chickens for it to grow with. Once it's about the same size as the rest, intro it's buddy and the survivor to the flock. Sorry for you loss and your naughty broody
