Hen attacking chicks

[Mamatomany123]

I have 5 and 4 week old chicks currently. Today I decided to open up their brooder so they can start to mingle with the bigger girls. Only big enough for the chicks to fit but not the big ones. All but 1 hen are doing fine. They were a little interested when the chicks started coming out but this one attacks them every time she sees them. Should I lock the babies back up? Or lock up the one mean one? I'll attach pictures of the setup. They've been brooded in the coop since day 1.

 

[LaFleche]

Usually the meanest one will be the one lowest on the totem pole, and thus enjoying to finally have others to peck on.

I would separate her within sight of the others and the chicks, so she gets used to them without being able to harm them.

 

[Cinnamon Roll]

I think removing the hen for a short time might help.

You could add something new in the run to distract the hens, some vegetable for them to pick at or a flock block. If they are busy investigating that, the coop will be empty for the chicks to explore.

 

[Kittys Coop]

When I’ve had a hen act this way I use a cat carrier. I give her her own food and water and she gets to spend the night in there seeing everyone else mingle. Typically works the first time.

 

[Mamatomany123]

Ok,I put her in a dog crate that I use as broody jail. So far everyone else is doing great with the babies. She just kept doing more than a peck here and there. Hopefully it works and she gets over herself

Here's a picture showing how little interest the others have in them.

 

[Kittys Coop]

Ok,I put her in a dog crate that I use as broody jail. So far everyone else is doing great with the babies. She just kept doing more than a peck here and there. Hopefully it works and she gets over herself

Here's a picture showing how little interest the others have in them.

Broody jail Good idea!

 

[Mamatomany123]

She's being kind of a butt head right now. I reached into the crate to fill her water, and she bit me. I'm not sure if for some reason the chicks are now causing her hormones to go haywire or if it's just stress. I'll give her a couple of days, and hopefully, she calms down.

 

[sourland]

She's being kind of a butt head right now. I reached into the crate to fill her water, and she bit me. I'm not sure if for some reason the chicks are now causing her hormones to go haywire or if it's just stress. I'll give her a couple of days, and hopefully, she calms down.

Definitely days not hours of separation.

 

[Mamatomany123]

That's what I'm planning. Right now she can see the chicks and other hens mingling but can't get to the babies. She also hasn't laid today so I'm wondering if she was about to go broody. Will probably treat it like so and keep her there around 3 days.

Definitely days not hours of separation.

 

[Mamatomany123]

Ok, so I left her locked up for 3 days then let her back out. She did great. Paid no attention to the chicks, walked past them without any problems. Now today she's back at it. I saw her put her head under the little opening I made for the chicks and pulled one out to attack her. This chick wasn't even in the hens space,she was in the brooder. I've locked her back up but I really don't want to have to keep her locked up until these babies are full size. They're only 5and 6 weeks old.