Broody has blood on comb

[rkinley]

I have 2 that are trying to reintegrate. One is having marginal success and the other was still with the chicks. As of today, she is distancing herself but they still hang with her. Walked out this evening and she has blood on her. She is the BEST mom. Will they kill her?! They have not really been separated from the rest of the flock. Everyone was together after only 5 days after hatch) or so. What the heck is wrong?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

It's normal for there to be fights when a hen has new chicks. I sometimes need to separate and release over the course of a week for some. Others go right back into the flock.

I think some members have gained status in the pecking order when a hen goes broody and stops interacting, so those who have taken her place seem to want to fight to keep their new status. Just my thoughts.

If the fighting gets too much I separate them out until the next day. Eventually I get them all back in the flock. Mine never leave either. They are just out of action due to setting.

 

[rkinley]

Ok, well she actually does have another place to sleep, but she would have to go there herself the way my coop is set up. Maybe she will. Will see how tonight goes

 

[aart]

How long since broody and her chicks were let back into full access of the coop?

Broody fighting to regain flock status is not unusual, combs bleed pretty easily but heal up quick. The fights are usually over pretty quick too. Just keep an eye and let them work it out unless one is pinned down and being beaten unmercilessy.

 

[rkinley]

They have had run of the whole place since mom brought them out on about day 3 ish.

As far a being pinned down, I have seen that but it typically only lasts about a second and she gets away.

I went in yesterday immediately after one of those skirmishes and momma ran to me and literally jumped in my arms! She told me all about it. Then later, I went back in and bent over to look at something and she jumped upon my back. Had a time getting her off. A third time I sat down on my chair in there and she hopped up on my shoulder. I could hear her panting. Poor baby.

This am we went outside and she was sitting on the porch of the coop head drooping down and my husband thought she was dead but as he approached, she got up. Her comb looks only a little worse but she seems ok otherwise.

This is so hard to watch.

 

[aart]

They have had run of the whole place since mom brought them out on about day 3 ish.

But how long has that been?
She should have settled her skirmishes within a few days.

 

[rkinley]

Today marks 5 weeks since the hatch...

 

[aart]

Today marks 5 weeks since the hatch...

Is this fighting new then?
Has she weaned the chicks?
That she's jumping on you for safety is highly disconcerting.

 

[rkinley]

Yes, this fighting is new.

She has weaned them for the most part, they hang out with her but also do their own thing.

She had always been friendly. Used to jump on my lap before she went broody.

 

[aart]

I'd give her a thorough exam, make sure nothing is ailing her(parasites, swollen belly)...the flock will pick on an ill bird. Best of cLuck to you.