help!!! momma hen trying to kill babies?

[Beau coop]

My broody hen hatched out five babies over the period of a week inside the house (there had been fighting between broodies out in the coop). The broody ouside had 7 babies that are 3 weeks old. Today I took the inside broody outside. The top hen came over and started pecking hard at the week old babies and fighting with mom. I went out to stop that, and then momma started severely pecking at her own babies. Pull feathers and she was all puffed up- I had to pull her off them.

What a mess. Does anyone know what is happening and what to do about it? Is she trying to save them or kill them?

I brought them back inside and when mom calmed down I brought her in too. The babies were running from her. They have settled back down now- but I fear for their safety. Both from mom and the flock.

The first batch of babies were hatched in the house and went out to the coop at week 1 without a problem.

 

[silky ma]

a whole lot of stress going on!! If indoor mom is now okay with babies let her be with them indoor for a few days more-- if not separate immidiately and continue to raise them indoors or if possible do you have another broody mom that can take over? if you do try to introduce the wee ones---
at nite-- to their poss new mom. I always found it best to put new ones under a mom from her backside where she cant tell what you are doing.

If mom doesnt have her babies anymore than re introduce this mom back into the flock. Make sure top hen isnt hurting her. There will be some comotion while top hen re assurts her dominence and shows the other hen her place.

if mom has kept her babies--great!! then place them in an area all their own next to the others , they can view her and her brood daily. A wall of wire separating them is ideal. If you need a small emergengy hen house a dog house will do. Increase ventillation secure door etc...
They will over time get use to seeing them and when they are older you can slowly introduce them to the flock. Remember to do the same for each flock at the same time. So if you feed the main flock a treat do for the new mom at the same time.
If babes are by themselves continue to raise them with a heat lamp etc.. Later on you can place them in an area next to the others--use the dog house ... and gradually all will get use to them being there and when older you can introduce them.

 

[Beau coop]

Thanks for the tips silkie mom.

Mom is still with the babies. I did put them in a separate area where the others could see but not get to mom and babies. Lots of commotion until they realized no one could hurt them. It is a small space for today- just 4x4. They are covered, but it is now pouring. I know they are not getting wet but when there is a break in the rain I will bring them back in.

I feel so badly to have caused them all that stress. Poor babies!