Good mamma, bad mamma

[FeatherstoneFrm]

My Appenzeller Spitzhauben, Kevin, went broody and I put 6 eggs under her 3 weeks ago. Between a hungry snake and Shirley deciding to lay in the nest with her, I ended up with about 10 but with different hatch dates spanning about 5 days. Some have died in development but two have tried to hatch and Kevin, who has been a very determined and devoted mamma hen has 'tried to help' and pecked them to death. 1 was still neatly tucked in the shell but the side of the shell had been removed. I wish I had taken pictures. The second, she or someone ate. She has 4 eggs left. Only 1, I am certain is alive.
I would like to get some day old babies to put under her. Is there anything specific I should do to help this be successful?
I welcome comments on her behavior as well.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Some hens just like being broody. They don't necessarily know what chicks are or what to do with them.

Some first time moms will kill those chicks because they just don't understand what they are. I would not let her hatch again, or at least remove chicks as they hatch to bird them yourself.

 

[chickens really]

Is she still in with the flock? It could be her killing them or the other non Broody Hens..I'd separate her into a Broody pen with her remaining eggs so she isn't stressed by the interference of the flock.

 

[drumstick diva]

I'd put any remaining(?) eggs in a bator to hopefully get some chicks that will live.

 

[Acre4Me]

Separate her if possible. When she settles, you need to wait until dark. Put live chicks under her in the dark, so use only enough light to not hurt yourself moving around. Tuck the babies under her wing for the night. Hopefully in the morning they will be alive, and she be clicking to teach them chicken things.

We’ve done this 2x with success. Once we bought 5 day old chicks, but best to do it with chicks that are as young as posssible.

Good luck