Gramma B
In the Brooder
- Jul 30, 2021
- 3
- 15
- 29
When is “old enough” ? Several weeks ago I thought I had lost a hen. I discovered her with 12 new checks this morning. The rooster is extremely protective of the hen and her chicks. She is protective of the chicks as well. The hen and chicks are outside of the fenced in yard, which the hens and rooster can enter/exit at will. I don’t know if I should provide a more controlled environment or let them be. I have nine other hens and the rooster which are able to free range or go into the coop at will. I arranged a makeshift enclosure, but don’t know how much protection the broody hen and new chicks need. I provided some chick starter and water within the makeshift enclosure. I’m nervous the hens and chicks will be too vulnerable. Help. Please.Long story short I had 4 incubated chicks that were about 2 weeks young I tried to introduce them to a broody hen with 6 chicks. The mom did not accept them but she also was not aggressive towards them I ended up raising them separately when mom left them at about a month I began introducing them together the big sister was very protective of her brothers and would peck the other incubated chicks but after a while they hangout together and slept together and now they chill and hangout like actual brothers you can leave the chick with his mom and raise the other two. And once it's old enough integrate them all together