Broody Hens Killing Chicks

[TheBrahmaBunch]

I have two broody Buff Brahma Bantams and they are killing their own chicks. Is this a result of them fighting over the eggs or are they just terrible mothers?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Could be they are poor mothers, but often when there's more than one broody things get messed up and hens don't know chicks belong to them. Lots of bonding happens during those last few days as moms talk to their eggs and eggs often peep back. Multiple moms mess that up.

At this point I would remove any remaining chicks and brood them yourself. Next time only let one sit at a time. It's still possible the hen will attack the chicks so always keep an eye on things during and following a hatch.

 

[TheBrahmaBunch]

Thank You, next time i will brood one at a time. If it happens again, i will stop letting them brood.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Thank You, next time i will brood one at a time. If it happens again, i will stop letting them brood.

I will often let hens hatch eggs for me, and than pull them so I can brood them myself, so they still can be useful.