Spaceheadmoose
Hatching
- Feb 25, 2025
- 3
- 2
- 8
Hello all, longtime lurker first time poster!
I have a mature hen around a year old whom is the sole surviver of a dog attack in my flock of 5. This happened approximately a week ago. Two days before the attack occurred, we brought home a fresh batch of chicks! Very cute, but now, she is the sole mature hen. Her wounds are significant, requiring daily care, and she will require care for several weeks before she can return to the coop. That being said, what are thoughts on introducing them, combining them in 5 or six weeks when her wounds are healed but they (the chicks) are still small? She was broody before the attack, and even laid an egg the day after (though none since, so I am assuming egg production has stopped for a bit while healing and that one was just ready to lay), and is very interested in the chicks when she does see them. (The brooder is in the kitchen for the moment and when she comes in for treatments she can see and hear them.) She was very calm when she saw them, and doesnt seem to mind them. Shes back to eating and drinking and pooping, so definately not just still in shock. I was thinking supervised visits for a few weeks until its coop time might make her feel less alone and prepare them for being housed together when they go out later. I ALSO dont want her to get picked on. Chicks that brood together seem to gang up, and I would hate for her to return to the coop and not have a place after her ordeal. Any thoughts? We are still some weeks away, but Im an overthinker.
I have a mature hen around a year old whom is the sole surviver of a dog attack in my flock of 5. This happened approximately a week ago. Two days before the attack occurred, we brought home a fresh batch of chicks! Very cute, but now, she is the sole mature hen. Her wounds are significant, requiring daily care, and she will require care for several weeks before she can return to the coop. That being said, what are thoughts on introducing them, combining them in 5 or six weeks when her wounds are healed but they (the chicks) are still small? She was broody before the attack, and even laid an egg the day after (though none since, so I am assuming egg production has stopped for a bit while healing and that one was just ready to lay), and is very interested in the chicks when she does see them. (The brooder is in the kitchen for the moment and when she comes in for treatments she can see and hear them.) She was very calm when she saw them, and doesnt seem to mind them. Shes back to eating and drinking and pooping, so definately not just still in shock. I was thinking supervised visits for a few weeks until its coop time might make her feel less alone and prepare them for being housed together when they go out later. I ALSO dont want her to get picked on. Chicks that brood together seem to gang up, and I would hate for her to return to the coop and not have a place after her ordeal. Any thoughts? We are still some weeks away, but Im an overthinker.
Sounds like a workable plan. Monitor closely, and good luck.
