First time broody and her chicks

[FisherMOM]

My hen is hatching 8 eggs and I have been checking each day to see if there are chicks under her. This morning when I slightly lifted her.. two dry babies tumbled out, and she immediately started pecking them. I have searched at least 10 pages on here about broodies and babies and just have to get more opinions..... Is it possible that she has not had enough time to bond with them and that is why she pecked them? There are at least 4, maybe 5 more eggs pipping now under her. Any opinions on if I should just hand raise them all, or try to reintroduce them to her tonight?

 

[Judy]

I'd watch her for a little while. They will peck at new babies -- to get their attention or as part of training them. At first they will do it to get them to stay under her, usually til most of the eggs have hatched. Just make sure it's an attention peck and not a vicious attack.

 

[FisherMOM]

an update.... at various times that day I would check on momma and take her a little food. She would just eat it most times.... but once when I took it out, she started calling to chicks. 2 more babies had hatched, so I came inside and took the first two back to her and snuck them back under her. She has since proven to be a very good momma!!!

Meet Minnie Pearl....

 

[JodyJo]

very nice! this year is my first year with a broody and various eggs....today I had my 4th 3rd batch chick hatch...check out my thread, New Chicks...its so fun and nice to see the mama's taking such good care!