I’m sorry to hear you lost a baby! Have you seen her peck them when she reaches under? She’s supposed to sit tight and let them hatch. Mine wouldn’t even let them come out from under her until day two. If they poked their heads out, she’d peck them to get back under. But maybe because it was April in Boston and it was in the 30s and 40s during the day... She let them come out for brief periods the day after. So, some pecking is normal as a form of communication and discipline, but not hard enough to hurt the chicks. Inexperienced moms may peck too hard and unintentionally hurt/kill the chicks though... Is this a first time broody?No babies yet, but my Cochin just went broody 4 hours ago! Oh boy. There are only so many coops available.
My mama hatched the first egg which I think she killed. The second one seems fine but I pulled it and put it in a box next to a heat screen (?). It probably will not survive because I don’t know what to do! Mama is acting very weird. Every time one peeps, she stands and and wants to reach under her for it. Do you remember if this is what your mama did as the eggs were hatching? I’m trying to decide whether to put the baby back and hope for the best or whether it is likely she will kill the rest based on what seems to be usual behavior. Any suggestions would be so helpful. I’m at a loss and so distraught. @kokoshka