Broody Hen now a mom

[Chickalita]

Hi just a quick question for some insight on what you would do. I have a hen in a broody box with some chicks. It’s been super cold out but I was wondering if she and the chicks would fair well if I put them out with the rest of the flock. I think it would be better for them but wanted some insight.

 

[DobieLover]

Yes. They should be with the flock provided you have switched the flock feed to a good quality chick crumble or all flock type of feed with oyster shells on the side and the coop is large enough for the hen to be able to drive off those she does not want near her chicks without the chicks getting trampled in the process. Also make sure you have lots of very thick, dry fluffy bedding on the coop floor as she will nest down with them there with herself backed into a corner. I would also have a chick safe waterer for the chicks as you don't want them accidentally getting wet in the cold weather.

 

[aart]

Define "super cold".
How old are the chicks?
Where is the broody box located.....in the coop?
Pics of broody box and coop would help here.

 

[Mrs. K]

if she brooded with the flock, let her do it her way.

 

[Chickalita]

Define "super cold".
How old are the chicks?
Where is the broody box located.....in the coop?
Pics of broody box and coop would help here.

It’s been 5 degrees. Highs of 10 Fahrenheit. Our broody box is located in a shed building that connects to the coop but it’s an insulated building we have for storage. It’s always around 30 maybe more warmer without running any heat. I only have 20 chickens and the coops size is not what I’m worried about. Last summer we had well over 8 chickens in two separate coops. We sell every summer. Just more so I feel like adding her to the flock but was curious what others thought.

 

[aart]

I only have 20 chickens and the coops size is not what I’m worried about.

But it can have an effect on integration, so always good to know.

How old are the chicks?
Will the broody box fit into the main coop?

Broody and chick integration can be chaotic.
When I have a broody hatch I have them do it behind a wire wall in the coop. I take down the wall about 1-2 weeks after hatch, but the chicks always have the shelter of the broody nest.

 

[LaFleche]

For about 3-4 weeks I would keep mom and chicks separated but in view of the flock so they can get used to one another without risking the chicks to be harmed by flock members and not able to get back to mom before getting too cold.
With cold stress it will be hard enough for them, so no need to add to the stress at such a young age.

5Fahrenheit is very cold for baby chicks and they might just choose to stay under the mom and not come out to eat. Sometimes it is better to provide a heat lamp for them to allow them some time to eat and drink properly.

 

[dannichols525]

Are they a cold hardy breed?

The picture shows a serama hen with her chicks. She presently is in a stock tank with a heat lamp. No way could sh3 raise babies in this cold.