heartwork city
In the Brooder
Hi all. I posted on another thread but hoping to get wider feedback. Here's the scoop-
Have a broody BO. Purchased 3 day old chicks. Added under BO's wing at night 3 days ago. SUCCESS! Mom and chicks have bonded.
Fast forward to last night. After 3 days I placed momma and 2 chicks into coop INSIDE the run. The 3 other hens can now see Momma BO and 2 chicks through wire that separates coop from run. TODAY I tried to integrate momma BO and chicks into run with other hens. Wellllll good fried. My Plymouth went after a chick so hard and fast I can't believe it escaped her beak! Momma stood there in shock, not moving an inch. CRUD! I had hopes for momma but I have to tell you, momma BO has always been my gentle giant. I've NEVER seen her get aggressive. My Plymouth and Rhode Island Red are the feisty hens, just smaller than momma.
So where to go from here? Integration is sure death for chicks. That stinks, but I know it happens. I'm glad other hens can see and hear momma. And I know she needs to stay in the pecking order. She's just a bad protector of these new chicks. Thanks for help.
Have a broody BO. Purchased 3 day old chicks. Added under BO's wing at night 3 days ago. SUCCESS! Mom and chicks have bonded.
Fast forward to last night. After 3 days I placed momma and 2 chicks into coop INSIDE the run. The 3 other hens can now see Momma BO and 2 chicks through wire that separates coop from run. TODAY I tried to integrate momma BO and chicks into run with other hens. Wellllll good fried. My Plymouth went after a chick so hard and fast I can't believe it escaped her beak! Momma stood there in shock, not moving an inch. CRUD! I had hopes for momma but I have to tell you, momma BO has always been my gentle giant. I've NEVER seen her get aggressive. My Plymouth and Rhode Island Red are the feisty hens, just smaller than momma.
So where to go from here? Integration is sure death for chicks. That stinks, but I know it happens. I'm glad other hens can see and hear momma. And I know she needs to stay in the pecking order. She's just a bad protector of these new chicks. Thanks for help.