Is it bad to take chicks from mean mom?

[stefmech]

Ok, I just wanted to hear some advice. My broody just hatched out 5 chicks. She is a leghorn and not a people person. I raised her from a chick but she never liked me. She is darn right mean. If I bend down to give her food or change the water she will jump on my arm or back and attack me. My kids cannot interact with the chicks because she is so dangerous.

One of the reasons I thought it would be fun to hatch chicks is to see the mother and chick interaction. But I also want to be able to interact with the chicks too.

This is my question. Are all mother hens so mean or is it just mine? Do I have unrealistic expectations to be able to hold and bond with chicks too or this impossible when a broody hatches them?

I have to go in the pen with a long sleeved shirt and gloves for my protection - even them she will still attack me.

I am thinking of taking the chicks and raising them myself and getting rid of her. What do you think?

 

[fernandez0067]

THats what I would do!

 

[Shared Acres]

Sounds like she wants to become dinner.

 

[Chickenmaven]

Go for it! She should not be so mean.

We, also, had our first hatch this week. Our slightly skittish Phoenix has become an ideal mom. She has even tolerated me reaching under her to remove pieces of shell & to check the babies. She did screach like a raptor when one of the other hens walked into the pen where we are keeping her. I expect her to keep the other hens away. The jumping on humans thing that your hen is doing is WAY over the top - IMHO.

 

[rachiegirl]

I think I would have to get rid of her. You and the kids shouldn't have to be afraid and protect yourself from your own pets. Cook her up for supper, or try to find someone that will take her. Just make sure they know she is aggressive. Good Luck!!

 

[wegotchickens]

Or use her as a feathered bator and ALWAYS take the babies to raise yourself...

 

[92caddy]

Some hens are meaner then others, she is only protecting her babies, shes being a good momma.............

 

[stefmech]

She starved herself during the incubation so she is way too scrawny to eat

This is my first broody, so I didn't know if the whole psycho chicken thing was normal. Anyone have a broody who let's them get close to her chicks?

 

[Tuffoldhen]

Quote:

 

[wegotchickens]

I had a broody who let me check the eggs and handle the chicks. But she didn't like the actual chicks! Kept trying to stuff them back under her. She killed 2 before we realized she was a space cadet. Rescued the 3rd one who is doing great!