surrogate hen's health is failing

[Cinnamon Roll]

ok. so I want to be clear on your instructions as we have another broody and have chicks arriving soon.

our plan is to first move her into "the dog house" cozy with straw at dusk then after an hour or so, slip the new chicks under her. this technique worked very well for the other broody.

then, in the morning, let them have some time together in a protected area near the other hen's coop.

should we wait 1-2 days (or another duration) before integrating, OR integrate right away, thereby making the new chicks and surrogate free range from the get go?

appreciate your guidance!

Well you are adding some complications to it with shipped chicks. If they were broody-hatched I would integrate right away. Since they are shipped and will need to have food and water before mama is ready to get off the nest, they should be separated from the flock for a couple of days. After the chicks have learned to listen to the hen and she has left the nest it will be safe to let them mix with the flock.

I have never had a hen accept shipped chicks without having her own eggs hatch as well so I’m glad that you have had success with that. Your hens must be less stubborn than my hard-headed hens!