Hatching using a broody hen

[peafowl_Lover]

Hi, I'm thinking of hatching chicks a second time but thus time using a broody hen. I have 2 hens that went broody last year so they might go broody again this year. I know they might not but I'm going to prepare just in case. I have a few questions. Can I let her hatch the eggs in the coop, its a large walk in coop. I'm planning once the eggs hatch that I keep the hen and chicks separate from the rest of the flock, because I have many crows around and I would be worried they would take the chicks, and I wouldn't trust my cats either. Would it be ok to keep them separate until they're a good size and able to fend for themselves. Will they still be allowed back to the rest of the flock?

 

[Yardmom]

In a small flock you can leave the hen with the flock while she sets on eggs. Be sure to start all the eggs at the same time. Mark those eggs and remove all eggs that other hens add.

Does your flock have a coop where the crows do not go? If so I would recommend leaving the hen and chicks with the flock. If necessary you can integrate a broody hen and her chicks back to the flock just like you would new birds, but it is much easier to leave the hen and her brood with the flock.

 

[peafowl_Lover]

The run isn't covered so the crows would just swoop down and take them away.