I think I have an evil broody!! Need advice!!

[BarkerChickens]

I am not sure if this goes under hatching or raising chicks as it relates to freshly hatched chicks.

Anyway...I have a broody that just hatched 3 chicks and is sitting on 2 more eggs (which I think died already). The first chick to hatch died in the shell while trying to hatch. It wasn't bloody, but I saw her pecking at the shell a little (helping? But, it looked dead at this point) and the next morning it was still at the same stage. DH tossed it. The next two hatched that evening/overnight.

The chicks are safe if they are under her. She seems irritated by all their moving, but she is overall ok when they are underneath. But, if she gets up for food/water and they try to get under her, she pecks them on the head!

No injuries, blood, etc., but I am worried that she is too mean. It has bene 24 hours now. If they try to come out from under her, she wraps them on the head too.

I really would rather her keep the chicks if possible, but I don't know if she is just being stern (stay underneath and/or wait in the nest!) or if she is just an evil, broody bird that should be banned from having chicks.

Advice would be greatly appreciated!!!

 

[gameboygal12]

If she's a first time broody, they are kinda surprised by the chicks and don't really know what they are on the first day. if she keeps pecking them, I say separate the chicks and put them under a heat lamp. I hope for the best for the little chicksters!

 

[BarkerChickens]

Oh I sure hope that she is just temporarily confused!! The chicks are cute as can be too!!

 

[debilorrah]

LOL!!!! She sounds like a freakin beeotch!!! As long as there is no blood I wouldn't worry. Is her name Hitler?

 

[Kiwibird]

I have a hen that is a bit like that at first then settles down. She will keep the chicks with her longer than any of the others, but she takes a few days to warm to them when they first hatch. She also kicks them when she is scratching the dirt. If you can keep an eye on them, leave them with her. If you can't, get them out, I think, to be on the safe side.

 

[BarkerChickens]

Quote:
This is Yappy or Noisy (I can't tell the salmon Faverolles apart). It has been much quieter with her broody!! The chicks are either purebred Jersey Giants or Jersey Giant mixes. They are all black with a yellow spot on their heads and yellow/black legs. ADORABLE!!!