I have 2 Momma Hens

[SBlanton]

I have two momma hens. We had three hens- but 2 days ago on hatching day, 3 chick's were taken killed by the 3rd momma. 2 chick's are still alive but the two other momma hens abandoned the rest of the eggs.

Fast forward to today. I have two mommas and two babies together in the maternity ward. One momma is attacking the other and trying to take her baby. I removed the aggressor, but she is staying right outside the maternity ward area.
I do not have another separate area for them, and these mommas and babies have been through a lot in 2 days. Anything else I can do?

 

[FunClucks]

Pick one of the hens to be momma to both chicks. Based on their behavior. You might just give both chicks to the more aggressive hen since it sounds like she will take them anyway. It might save some fighting. Make sure she will care for both babies well. Put the more submissive hen back with the flock. Keep mom and babies away from the 3rd hen who was killing chicks if you can until baby is quite a bit older, like 3-4 wks or so and put plenty of hiding places in the run - places the babies can hide that full grown hens can't fit into. I like to do a separate feed/water area surrounded by lattice or pallets where the openings are big enough for chicks but not hens. Observe interactions to make sure remaining momma will protect the chicks from the other hens. Most mommas abandon their babies around 4 weeks or so.

Did you incubate the eggs that were abandoned? You could probably get a lot more chicks, but would need to raise them in a brooder.

 

[SBlanton]

Yes abandoned eggs incubated. I will wait the introduce the mommas and chicks until they are older.

 

[FunClucks]

Yes abandoned eggs incubated. I will wait the introduce the mommas and chicks until they are older.

Sounds good. I let my good broody introduce her chicks around 3-4 wks. My best broody will take on the head hen and win in defense of her chicks. My bad broody will let other hens pick them up by their feet and bully them. She also broke a lot of eggs when brooding, so she's not allowed to sit any more.

Chicks you raise yourself - I usually introduce those when they are done with heat, around 4-6 wks. As long as they have places to hide and a protected area to eat and drink, they're fine.