Hens fighting over who gets to be the mama?

[clarkestep]

Well, both mamas are in the coop but separated. I tried today to see how they would react to each other and Brownie tore into Charlie when she came into her space. Then I thought I would take one of Charlie's babies and put it in with Brownie's. Brownie could tell the difference and tried to peck at the baby. So off to the rescue I went. I may try to see how Charlie will react to having an intruder in her brood. Since she took to the babies so readily she may take to Brownie's. But then again they are a week old now. Crazy birds!

 

[lotzahenz]

I'd seperate them and give each her own to defend as they will kill babies fighting over them. It won't make any difference which gets what, as hens can't count and have no idea of what color her chicks should be. Keep them a similar size and do it asap so they bond with the hen and "listen" to her when she talks to them. henZ