Re-introducing broody hen and her babies

[toniathequeen]

So Wilma’s first time going broody she did an amazing job but I did have to to move her into a cage by herself because other hens kept kicking her out of the nest resulting in the first clutch of eggs having to be tossed. 2nd batch pretty successful with 3 live baby chicks. I let mom out the other day to walk around but one of my other hens picked a fight with her and these two particular hens have always gotten along before. So how do I introduce mom and babies safely back to the flock and at what age ( according to the baby chicks) should I start this because I’m now worried about their safety. Thank you for any and all advice

 

[Lady of McCamley]

May I presume you don't have a rooster? A good rooster will do a lot of running interference between cranky hens to protect mom. With that understanding....

Over the years I have introduced many broody moms back in. How you do it varies with the hen and the flock. (I've carefully selected my flock over the years so that now I can actually coop brood with safety).

If mom can hold her own pretty well, I generally find waiting until at least 2 weeks, 3 weeks better, until the chicks are flying really good and can get out of the way of fighting or running hens. Mom still has a lot of hormone instinct to want to protect the chicks and stay with them, so I find this a good time.

If mom is low on the pecking order, you may have to have a broody/grow out pen so that you wait until 6 to 8 weeks before introducing, which is almost always after fledging when mom is desperate to get back to the flock (takes care of mom). You can then integrate the teens in together as younger pullets/cocks (if you keep them) anywhere between 6 to 10 weeks depending upon the chemistry make up of your flock.

LofMc

 

[toniathequeen]

May I presume you don't have a rooster? A good rooster will do a lot of running interference between cranky hens to protect mom. With that understanding....

Over the years I have introduced many broody moms back in. How you do it varies with the hen and the flock. (I've carefully selected my flock over the years so that now I can actually coop brood with safety).

If mom can hold her own pretty well, I generally find waiting until at least 2 weeks, 3 weeks better, until the chicks are flying really good and can get out of the way of fighting or running hens. Mom still has a lot of hormone instinct to want to protect the chicks and stay with them, so I find this a good time.

If mom is low on the pecking order, you may have to have a broody/grow out pen so that you wait until 6 to 8 weeks before introducing, which is almost always after fledging when mom is desperate to get back to the flock (takes care of mom). You can then integrate the teens in together as younger pullets/cocks (if you keep them) anywhere between 6 to 10 weeks depending upon the chemistry make up of your flock.

LofMc

I do have a rooster. But thanks for all the advice.