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mama hen pecking babies to keep them under her HELP

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post #1 of 5

2/22/12 at 8:53am

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skillswife

Location: SW Montana
Joined: 7/2010
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I put 2 babies in with a hen who had been sitting on wooden eggs for nearly 2 weeks, last night. Everything seemed well, she seemed thrilled with the babies. This morning I went to refill the food and water and held the chicks to take pics. I put them back, the hen was eating and when the babies ran into the food dish she pecked them hard, and seemed to try and get them back under her. I covered the crate over and everyone seems find now but I am worried. Is this behavior normal? The chicks are just a day old. Should I remove them? I would really rather have a hen raise the babies but if this is something that will harm the chicks I will take them away.

Christine~ Happily Married Montana Ranch Girl with 3 Kids,2 dogs,2 1/2 cats,2 horses,3 goats,4 ducks,lots of chickens and many cows. www.hermityfarmer-women.blogspot.com

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post #2 of 5

2/22/12 at 10:23am

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skillswife

Location: SW Montana
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I checked in on them, they are under her and she seems fine. Will a hen keep them from food/water? Maybe she just doesn't think they need to be out and about yet.

Christine~ Happily Married Montana Ranch Girl with 3 Kids,2 dogs,2 1/2 cats,2 horses,3 goats,4 ducks,lots of chickens and many cows. www.hermityfarmer-women.blogspot.com

post #3 of 5

2/22/12 at 10:34am

LaynaDon95

Location: Texas
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If they are only a day old then they don't need food yet. I wouldn't worry yet.

My sweet puppy, Maggie (1yo), 3 adorable baby pet rats, Darby, Lilah, and Faye, 3 cats, 2 bunnies, a goldfish named Ghoti (pronounced "Fish"), 1 Khaki Campbell duckling, 1 Magpie duckling, and lots and lots of chickens!

post #4 of 5

2/22/12 at 10:40am

Beekissed

Location: WV.
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Normal behavior. Let her do what she does best and you'll be surprised at how healthy and well fed your chicks will be when it's all said and done.

If you died tonight, where would you spend eternity? Please think about it.

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If you died tonight, where would you spend eternity? Please think about it.

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post #5 of 5

2/22/12 at 10:50am

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skillswife

Location: SW Montana
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Ok thanks! I am trying to give her us much quiet and privacy with the babies as I can so hopefully that helps. She just seemed to peck really hard, lol.

Christine~ Happily Married Montana Ranch Girl with 3 Kids,2 dogs,2 1/2 cats,2 horses,3 goats,4 ducks,lots of chickens and many cows. www.hermityfarmer-women.blogspot.com