Hens Always Kill Chicks

[leecey411]

I am ashamed of my hens, they kill their chicks! I have moved the sitting hens into their own run, I thought the other chickens were guilty but no they still kill their own chicks. What should I do?

 

[canada-goose]

Move every hen into a separate run. They need to be by themselves.

 

[txchickie]

I had a broody smother her 4 chicks just a week or so ago

I think some hens just don't get it.

 

[lauralou]

Wow, that's terrible! I agree that you should move each hen into her own space. At the very least, you would discover which hen is responsible, and never give her eggs to hatch again.

 

[hinkjc]

It sounds like the OP did move their hen to their own space. If this is the hen's first time brooding, she may have been confused. On a second try she does the same, she is a bad mom and should not be used for rearing chicks. Put a legband on her and don't let her sit.

 

[canada-goose]

Quote:
It sounds like multiple hens together to me. NOT a good idea.

 

[leecey411]

Thank you everyone, I will take away any eggs until they each have their own spot. I am building them a little barn. Is a nest box considered enough space ? what kind of room do they need?

 

[rhoda_bruce]

a nest box wouldn't be big enough to brood a clutch. You would need a big brooder or a portable little pen, just for them.
After reading your story, I feel less guilty about using broody hens as incubators for more than one go round....snatching them away just a day or 2 before hatching and starting her all over, with the first in the incubator.
I keep clutches separated, not because of the danger to the chicks from their moms, but due to the dangers of preditors and because I don't always want to check if another hen laid an egg with her clutch, so her being in seclusion, helps me. Now I wonder if it may have an added advantage of mom not killing the babies.