gizmo_geezers Posted July 15, 2011 Share Posted July 15, 2011 I had a broody hen and purchased some fertile eggs for her to sit on. Well 6 weeks ago 3 of the eggs hatched and 'Mum' has been looking after the chicks so well, until now........ Today she has started to peck them, pulling out some down feathers. Is this normal? The chicks seem really scared of her, she is getting them in to a corner and just pecks them. What should I do? I have taken Mum out of the pen for now, but the chicks are not yet fully feathered and were still sitting under her at night. Also one of the chicks seems to be sneezing a lot, do you need to vaccinate chickens? Any advice would be very gratefully received. Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sjp Posted July 15, 2011 Share Posted July 15, 2011 sound like moms had enough of the chicks and is ready to go back with the main flock my first broody of this year got fed up with her brood bang on 6 weeks old so I let her go back in the main run with the big girls thinking she'd want back in with the chicks at bedtime liks her 'mom' did last year but no that was it no looking back. chicks cried for a couple of nights but they soon got over been dumped by 'mom' Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted July 15, 2011 Share Posted July 15, 2011 Time to turf her out and slowly reintroduce her to the other hens. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted July 15, 2011 Share Posted July 15, 2011 I agree its time to cut the apron strings The chicks will be fine, they'll feather up pretty quickly once mum has gone, just make sure they are in a draft free coop at night Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
