Wow, that's a great mom, and a terrifying time for you. Glad it all worked out. I think there's always younger hawks this time of year trying out their hunting skills.
My bantam moms will mother until the chicks are adults sometimes. The first time I let a standard breed hatch I was surprised to see a hen wean chicks.
I shouldn't find that so amusing, and fun to watch, but yet I do. It's so crazy to see babies go at it like that. :D That holding, I can hear in my head the one saying "say uncle." :pop I loved the pullet was stepping in.
That's so crazy. It reminds me of some of those nature shows I watch where 2 chick siblings fight to the death. Those Brahma are some stubborn boys to go at it like that. :)
I love seeing your birds. They are so pretty. :) Feels like fall here too. We are already prepping for winter here. It will be here before you know it. I'm foolishly still hatching bantams and waiting for an order of chicks this week. :)
Can't wait to see if any males start going at it again. :pop
Maybe she can't feel what's under feet. I let a big Cochin hatch, only one chick hatched, she squished it on day two, probably overnight. I don't know if a chicken is smart enough to lift their feet when a chick is squeaking. Sorry. One is an accident, two dead makes you start to think. I hope...