Aggressive mama hen

[julianna47]

I have a black Australorpe hen who has six baby chicks. They turned 4 weeks old today. She is an awesome mom! She’s taking great care of her babies! I am really very proud of her! Except that in her protectiveness she has become VERY aggressive to the other chickens in the coop. They are truly terrorized. How much longer do you suppose she will act this way? And does anyone have suggestions for getting through this ??

 

[Matilda Belle]

Just let her do her job. A good mama will protect her chicks like she is. As long as there isn't blood and nobody is getting injured, it's normal. She'll snap out of it in a few weeks.

i have two hens with babies, and all the rest have learned to stay FAR away from her and the babies.

 

[coach723]

She will protect her chicks until she leaves them on their own. You can leave things as they are, as long as no one is getting hurt, or separate the mama and babies into another area where mom doesn't feel threatened. I have a nursery run where sitting broodies go, mama's with babies, and growing out chicks that aren't ready for the big flock yet. It's parallel to the big run, separated by wire, so they are all visible to each other but no one can trespass. That is my choice, it's more peaceful. But doing it my way means there is a reintegration period when they are put back together.