Preparing to welcome chicks!

Hello everyone,

I’ve had a flock of chickens for four years now, and it’s been growing every year. I currently have ten hens and, for the first time... a rooster! Last year, we tried placing fertilized eggs under a broody hen, but when we got home on the first evening, we found the three little chicks dead. They appeared to have been attacked.

I'm sorry if this is a beginner question, but is this normal? Should the broody hen be isolated? Are there specific precautions we should take? We would love to welcome our first chicks this year and would greatly appreciate your advice!