Really strange behavior

[Mickliam]

Hi! I'm new to chickens and hoping someone can help! I have a four month old light brahma girl. She is our only survivor of of six. The other five were killed last week, by a neighbors dog. (Their pen is now very secure and safe.) Since then, at dusk, she likes to climb onto my patio table and sit on my gardening gloves, with or without someone there with her. She doesn't do anything else, just sits. She will only sit on my gloves, not any other pairs. What is this about? Any ideas?
I have one more question. We are getting six more day old chicks tomorrow, at what point do we introduce her to the chicks? Any help and insight is greatly appreciated! Thank you!

 

[Judy]

Hard to say, but she is probably still somewhat in shock over past events.

The usual rule is to mix them when they are all about the same size, hopefully after they ive side by side for a few weeks. But people have tried lots of other plans and they have worked -- it depends so much on the individuals. I once had a broody take over mothering some chicks I was brooding in a pen next to her, when the chicks were about 3 or 4 weeks old. She "mothered" them for maybe a month, which was a bit comical because they didn't need it any more, but it all turned out OK. If there is any way you can do it, I would brood them next to her, in the coop, then coop and pen, if not from day one, perhaps after a week or two. (They shouldn't need heat for long at all if your weather is as warm as mine!)

Here's a pretty good thread about different mothods and experiences: Good luck!

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/803815/integrating-two-groups/0_20

 

[Mickliam]

Thank you so much!