chicks dying at birth

[brianharries]

Has anyone got any advice as to why I have had 5 fully formed chicks die under 2 mothers?? They have all been out or almost out of the shell and appear as if they could have been smothered. 1 was found on Sunday, 2 on Monday, 2 on Tuesday and another one today. All were under the mother except 1 which looked as tho she had thrown it out. I though it could have been shavings dust killing them but have put a layer of hay down on top of the sawdust and they have made nice dish shaped nests. I rehomed these Moran hens so they could be inexperienced mothers??? After 3 chicks died, I have shut out Mr Cockeral and the other hens so they are not being disturbed. Run out of ideas now!! Any ideas would be appreciated. Many thanks.

 

[ChickenLegs13]

Being they been in the nest 4 days, the one that looked thrown out probably jumped out.
Just a WAG but your big footed hen probably stepped on the other bittys, especially if the other hens & rooster were disturbing her by trying to get in the nest box to lay, etc.

 

[chickengeorgeto]

Being they been in the nest 4 days, the one that looked thrown out probably jumped out.
Just a WAG but your big footed hen probably stepped on the other bittys, especially if the other hens & rooster were disturbing her by trying to get in the nest box to lay, etc.

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