Killer moms

[Keeterwaul]

So I have been letting my hens set on their communal nest for a month now. The chicks have begun to hatch but as soon as a momma registers movement they begin to peck and kill the emerging keets. It's brutal. We've rescued three so far, easily another 70 potentials. I have a brooder with a momma heating pad ready for the newbies. What should I do about the nest? Should we push the mothers off during the heat of the day and retrieve as they come? I'm so new and overwhelmed here.

 

[Leave a LightOn]

Best I can offer is this broody thread. Click on "post a reply" and type your question. It will appear at the freshest end of the thread and someone knowledgeable will help. Good luck with your keets.

Sorry, forgot to add thread. Broody Hen Thread!