Broody Hen Thread!

[Junibutt]

My broody abandoned her chicks 3 days ago exactly 4 weeks after the hatch. That was kind of ok in the beginning because first the chicks cried for a few hrs and then started following her to places where they could not reach first. However since yesterday, she has really started beating them up once they get near her, even for food. I did not expect such a dramatic turn-around in less than 72 hrs. Like 4 days ago she was actively finding them food and breaking it for them and all of a sudden next day she ran away from them.

Is it how it normally works? I thought it was a slow process. Poor chicks are now exposed to beating from other hens and when they run to mama, they get a beating from her as well.

 

[Rhandi74]

Here is better pics of Jewel and her chick

 

[fisherlady]

My broody abandoned her chicks 3 days ago exactly 4 weeks after the hatch. That was kind of ok in the beginning because first the chicks cried for a few hrs and then started following her to places where they could not reach first. However since yesterday, she has really started beating them up once they get near her, even for food. I did not expect such a dramatic turn-around in less than 72 hrs. Like 4 days ago she was actively finding them food and breaking it for them and all of a sudden next day she ran away from them.

Is it how it normally works? I thought it was a slow process. Poor chicks are now exposed to beating from other hens and when they run to mama, they get a beating from her as well.

Unfortunately that is about the norm. I have a couple of hens who are more tolerant of them...but most are very determined to force the separation immediately and completely once they decide the chicks are able to be left on their own.
Usually the chicks figure it out within a couple of days and then the conflicts ease.
It is very hard to watch...but it is their way.

 

[mandtroof]

My broody abandoned her chicks 3 days ago exactly 4 weeks after the hatch. That was kind of ok in the beginning because first the chicks cried for a few hrs and then started following her to places where they could not reach first. However since yesterday, she has really started beating them up once they get near her, even for food. I did not expect such a dramatic turn-around in less than 72 hrs. Like 4 days ago she was actively finding them food and breaking it for them and all of a sudden next day she ran away from them.

Is it how it normally works? I thought it was a slow process. Poor chicks are now exposed to beating from other hens and when they run to mama, they get a beating from her as well.

That is heartbreaking. Can't you seperate the chicks until they are old enough to defend themselves? Or is this just the way
It
Goes?

 

[Aunt ruth]

hatching is exhausting.

 

[luvmypets]

Here we go again...

 

[calichicken]

Hi everyone! Hope you don't mind if I post up on this thread. I have a broody Bantam Cochin that I have decided to let hatch some eggs. I do not have a rooster and ordered some eggs...also Bantam cochin..that should arrive Thursday. This is the first time I have tried to hatch with a broody AND this will be her first time hatching as well

A little nervous, so any advice or insight from more experienced people before we begin would be very much appreciated! Thanks!

 

[Junibutt]

Unfortunately that is about the norm. I have a couple of hens who are more tolerant of them...but most are very determined to force the separation immediately and completely once they decide the chicks are able to be left on their own.
Usually the chicks figure it out within a couple of days and then the conflicts ease.
It is very hard to watch...but it is their way.

Despite all the beatings and stuff, I found them roosting with and under her tonight. I guess at least at night she is letting them come closer which is good since they are not feathered on the head and neck yet and it supposed to drop to possibly below 50 degrees tomorrow and 2 following nights. As long as she lets them sleep with her for couple of more weeks, we are good.

 

[HeyBigRhondaq]

I wish I had more knowledge to give to those looking for it!
My BO pullet gone broody is still at it. Hatch day is tomorrow. Twist in plot...my Gold-laced Wyandotte decided to hijack her eggs a few days ago. One tried to hatch early, but I think the egg got smashed open. I split the remaining five eggs between the two of them and am crossing my fingers they can co-mother them. I guess this is going to be one lesson after another!

 

[Rhandi74]

Well my Broody hen, Jewel has another chick this morning and I can clearly hear another under her working on it's egg. She still has 5 eggs to go, hopefully they will hatch soon so she can stretch her legs. I will get pictures of the new chick later.