Hen killed chick.

[Maria adams]

Hi all. I have a hen who successfully hatched 7 babies 6 weeks ago. All was well until today I found one shivering in the coop scalped. The baby had been pecked all over his head and neck. My partner culled him as he was suffering. The other babes are now running away from mum as opposed to towards her. Do I need to separate her from the others. What would of caused this. I'm devastated.
Many thanks. Maria.

 

[WVduckchick]

So sorry for your loss. I've seen a momma hen run off the young ones around that age, but never kill them! Are you positive it was the hen?

I'm going to follow along to see what others advise.

 

[Maria adams]

Hiya. It was either her or one of the other little ones. She is a bit moody with the heat at the mo. And she is laying again. I'm not sure if any of these things would of caused it. I Am completely heart broken. And concerned for the others.

 

[Maria adams]

We have 2 ducks too but they never bother the chicks.

 

[chickens really]

Your Hen has weaned the Chicks and now to her they are nothing...Just another Chicken....Do you have enough space for them all ?.....

 

[Maria adams]

I guess il have to make room. I just didn't realise she would kill them. I'm quite shocked. Thank you for replying.

 

[chickens really]

In most cases they don't but if too confined Birds get stressed and she might be really telling them to stop following her?....

 

[Maria adams]

Oh dear. Ok Thank you il find some place for the babes. They are ok without mum now aren't They?

 

[Sublight]

Oh dear. Ok Thank you il find some place for the babes. They are ok without mum now aren't They?

Ya, 6 weeks old. Should be fine, I move mine out of the house at 6 weeks.

 

[chickens really]

Yes....I would remove Mom so the chicks stay with the Flock....Wire up to separate her for a week till the Chicks leave her alone....