Raising chicks, with a hen

[TheOlneyChickens]

I have a hen that was egg bound and it broke. She has a hard time standing and walking. So she lives in the shop safe and warm. I was curious if it be ok or not to try raising chicks with her in the spring. I know each situation is case by case, but kind of asking if I should even try.

I just know chickens can be aggressive. She most lays around, she can walk not real well. I do worry about her being lonely.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

What do you mean by raising chicks with her? Hatching her eggs? Using her as a broody? Raising chicks in the same area?

 

[azygous]

I am going to assume you mean brooding chicks in proximity to the recovering hen. I've successfully brooded baby chicks in a divided space in the run with just a low net divider to keep the babies on one side for the first couple weeks.

The hen was crippled, but not contagious. All of them were excellent room mates.

 

[TheOlneyChickens]

I am going to assume you mean brooding chicks in proximity to the recovering hen. I've successfully brooded baby chicks in a divided space in the run with just a low net divider to keep the babies on one side for the first couple weeks.

The hen was crippled, but not contagious. All of them were excellent room mates.View attachment 1584992

I don't think this one will recover been months, no more eggs. But yes I was wondering if her and the chicks will be ok together.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I don't think this one will recover been months, no more eggs. But yes I was wondering if her and the chicks will be ok together.

Some will attach chicks and some won't. You will have to see how it goes and be ready to separate them if necessary. I personally would keep the chicks separately for the first 2-4 weeks by a fence at least to give them a chance to grow and get stronger.

 

[chickengeorgeto]

You can only raise chicks from a hen who reliably lays eggs. The reason is that she will never get into the mothering mood until or unless she lays eggs.