Broody hen started killing chicks

[Farmer In Training]

I am so so sad and confused. Last night, my broody hen hatched 9 beautiful chicks and was doing everything right. No lethargic chicks; everything was great. Went to go feed her this morning and there were five laying there bloody and dead (clearly pecked in the head) but the other 4 she was very nicely taking care of and I am just so confused. They were completely healthy chicks she had just mauled. She is a first time mom, but I’ve never heard of this happening. Someone please tell me why this happened? I took the other chicks because I couldn’t risk any more dying. She has two eggs left to hatch and if she hatched those I’m taking them too.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Is she alone? Or can other hens get to the chicks? If she's alone than unfortunately some hens don't know what chicks are, or what they are doing.

 

[Melodychick]

I’m so sorry. I’m having a similar problem now. Only one chick has hatched so far, but the hen keeps throwing it out and pecking it. Fortunately I was there and after trying to settle the baby back under her, I finally gave up and have it inside under a MHP. It’s pecked pretty good around the head and I’m hoping it will be ok. I’m also worried about the others if I’m not out there when they hatch.

 

[Farmer In Training]

it’s just so weird cause i have had plenty of broody hens (both good and bad mamas) and she was showing signs of being such a good one. yes, she is alone.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

That's too bad. It's her first batch?

 

[centrarchid]

Were the eggs the ones she started with when she first became broody? In other words how long has she been broody before the eggs hatched?