Chick crushed under mama hen

[Chkhunfalls]

Hello all,

Have a broody maran chicken who would not relent at being broody and hatched 12 babies. Today, I found one chick crushed/smothered under her.

Everyone was great in the morning, and there were just 2 eggs left that were pipped before i went to a short work training. When i returned, I found the dead chick who was actually one of the first to be hatched, and was the most lively.

I thought it might be a space issue since it was a bit tight in the area i sectioned off in the coop. Since all the eggs were hatched upon my return, I removed the dead chick & transferred them all to a spacier brooder with room to roam. But immediately she began showing the babies how to "scratch" at the ground while the babies were huddling beneath her. As she was scratching she kicked one away and stepped on another ones head/neck -- it squeaked loudly and she did not seem to notice and kept going. I reflexively threw her out of the brooder as fast as i could, esp after just finding that crushed chick.

She was also trying to scratch with her beak in the coop while she was laying on eggs. FYI there was a food and water right by her the whole time.

Had to separate the babies & set up a heat lamp. The hen is now unable to rest, screaming and pacing for her babies so I feel a bit bad.
I had a really good momma hen before. A buff orpington who unfortunately passed. She was the best mom. So this was definitely unexpected.

Did I do the right thing? I feel bad for mom after she was so diligent in hatching the babies. But I cannot risk her hurting the babies. When I had the buff orpington, as I recall she didn't try teaching them to scratch and peck until they were older. She definitely didnt step on or kick them. At this age they're mostly running up to her to get cozy and huddle and with her instinct to show them this skill at all cost, she seems to be hurting them =(

 

[Apis mellifera]

Not all chicks survive. I doubt she crushed the chick, it probably had some other issue. They do get tossed around at times but are fine. I would give her the chicks back asap.

 

[gimmie birdies]

I like to let mom hatch out all eggs meaning taking away hatched chicks until all survive. Then when they get sea legs give them back to the mom. I had one mom named Blob that would squish chicks. Eventually I had to take babies from her she was BLW. Big for a mom. I trust small hens to raise.

 

[Chkhunfalls]

Not all chicks survive. I doubt she crushed the chick, it probably had some other issue. They do get tossed around at times but are fine. I would give her the chicks back asap

Not all chicks survive. I doubt she crushed the chick, it probably had some other issue. They do get tossed around at times but are fine. I would give her the chicks back asap.

It was flat like a pancake tho and its head was cocked all weird so it looked crushed. It was a super rambunctious chick that jumped into my hand and I witnessed her step on another babies head and not react when it cried... I don't know of im over reacting but seems like she doesn't have the best instincts and I'd hate it if I found another crushed one.

I guess I just want to know if others have experienced a similar thing. Im considering letting them gain some strength and perhaps introduce her again?

 

[Chkhunfalls]

My buff was such a good momma and I didn't have to worry she was so gentle with the babies. I witnessed this one step on and kick multiple babies when they're still wobbly and freshly hatched