Trouble introducing broody back into flock

[belindaschicks]

I have a broody black Austrolop with 3week old bantam chicks. Despite daily 3-4 hour free range integration with the flock since week one and having the broody coop next to the hens run she refuses to let any of the other hens near her chicks and continues to fight with the other hens. What am I doing wrong? What else should I be trying?

 

[SunHwaKwon]

That is what she's supposed to do.

 

[aart]

continues to fight with the other hens

What do you mean by 'fight'?
Knock down, bloody comb dragging fight....or feints, pecks, and squawks?

If no blood is being drawn and no one is getting pinned down and beaten unmercilessly, leave them be to work it out.

 

[belindaschicks]

It started fine just the normal pin down. Now it's becoming more violent. Blood is starting to be drawn. Other hens are getting in on the action. The pin downs are lasting up to 45 seconds hens are starting to get bald spots. I can handle the fighting. It doesn't upset me. Just would like to know how to make this integration work.

 

[aart]

It started fine just the normal pin down. Now it's becoming more violent. Blood is starting to be drawn. Other hens are getting in on the action. The pin downs are lasting up to 45 seconds hens are starting to get bald spots. I can handle the fighting. It doesn't upset me. Just would like to know how to make this integration work.

Usually one fight establishes pecking order with each bird.
Is she going after them or are they in fact going after the chicks?
Where was she in the pecking order prior to going broody?

 

[belindaschicks]

She was 2nd to the top in a flock of five.