Depends on the broody. Mine was at the top of the pecking order, so she took care of her chicks fine. My rooster never bothered chicks. I would let them out, but keep a close watch. The other hens and rooster should not be able to get to the chicks.
This is my oldest hen, and she used to be the top in the pecking order, even rooster was beat by her when she first came. she took care her babies very well, it is just about 5 days for the oldest baby so I may try to let them out today or tomorrow to see how they will do with other chickens. Thank you
I let them out today, mama hen seems protect her babies pretty well from other hens, however, not rooster. Rooster sometimes sudden pecks on one of the chick but she seems no response. What to do?
Unfortunatley, your rooster sounds immature or he may just be a bad rooster. My rooster is really gentle with the babies! If the mom is showing lack of response, which is more worrying than the rooster pecking them, I would keep them in the pen. My broody was super protective and she would attack a dog for her chicks...!
I will try to separate them, thanks
Does the mom protect the chicks? Does she peck or chase down anyone who comes near?
She will chase other hens who is in lower pecking order, and only one above her, and she always by herself and never bother others. Mama used to beat up rooster however, once she accepted him, she never challenged him again, so she seems not very responsible to the pecking of rooster.
I see...my broody also stayed to herself until I gave out treats. She would hog the food for herself and her chicks. If I were you, I would let her out again, once the chicks are all around 1 week old. I would rather lock the rooster up than the broody and her chicks though
