Putting chicks with a disabled hen?

[Rcc956]

My family and I have had a rescued hen that was permanently injured as a chick while she was on the streets. We raised her, and since then we have always considered her a family pet not an animal with an actual purpose. Currently she is in a comfy cage inside the house, and she cannot walk at all.

We are thinking of buying a new flock from Cackle hatchery (all females and a male): 3 red sex links, 3 speckled sussex, 3 australorps, 3 hamsphire, 3 rhode island hens reds + the rooster (rhode island). I heard stories of males protecting injured females, and I started to have the question of what would happen if I little by little introduced the new flock with the disabled hen.

 

[Three Little Bunnies]

I think that would probably be fine! However, strong flock members may pick on a disabled bird, so you would need to monitor them together very closely.

As for the new chicks, sometimes they are mis-sexed, so you may end up with more than one rooster.

 

[Mrs. K]

It might work until the chicks become bigger. Being raised with her will have no long term effect. Eventually I would expect them to begin to pick on her, and become more and more aggressive as they grow and mature.

 

[MurrayAP]

I'd be nervous to put her in with the rest. Chickens can be very cruel to injured and disabled birds. They may kill her when they get older. I'd suggest keeping her in a separate pen where she can see the others but they can't touch her.

 

[Painted Calls]

I have a disabled pullet that CAN walk and I have to keep her separated. I tried free ranging her with multiple groups and even though everyone is accustomed to her - they went after her to kill her. I raise bantam cochins - one of the most docile breeds in existence.

Like others have said, it would be fine while they are chicks... But once they are grown, all bets are off. She will be an easy target. Not so much a matter of if, but when.