Aggressive Momma

[what_the_flock]

Momma hen has been doing well with her chicks for a while, but today she has become aggressive to one of them. At first she was pecking at her for no apparent reason, and now she's started chasing her around. We've tried separating, but whenever we put her back in with the babies she gets aggressive again. The chick seems to be very afraid of Momma. Why is she so mean to the baby?

 

[sourland]

How old are the chicks? She may be starting to wean them. If they are self sufficient, I would remove the hen from the chicks permanently.

 

[what_the_flock]

How old are the chicks? She may be starting to wean them. If they are self sufficient, I would remove the hen from the chicks permanently.

The chicks are going on (but not yet) a month old. Is this old enough to separate then, or should they have more time?

 

[rosemarythyme]

They're old enough to be weaned, especially if it's warm where you're at.

 

[WoDia]

I agree with the others. Please remove the aggressive mother, before a chick gets badly injured…. or even worse.