Limits of a quail's maternal instincts??

[vigibigi]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/699605/broody-quail-and-raising-chicks-baby-pics

With regard to the above quail.....she's being a great mother and her chicks cant get enough of her cozy wings, but since yesterday, day 2 of their existence, often when they're out eating the hen will peck at the babies toes, somtimes lifting them with it. I can't tell if its because she's horrible or because she's been thinking theyre meal worms.....Anyway this morning I noticed one of the chicks was not putting any weight on one of its feet, and limping. The other 2 chicks' toes are quite pink

WE wanted to keep them all together as long as possible but if were risking it I'd like to take them away from the mother asap. Do you think she's really damaging her chicks, or will they be ok?? If anyone's had experience with a broody quail, at what point do they leave their chicks to do their own thing? Perhaps she doesn't want to be stuck in a rabbit hutch with her babies any more....?

other than the toes shes really quite gentle with her chicks, other than occasionally stepping on them.....

Any help would be much appreciated.
Thanks

 

[Peacerose]

Set up a brooder for the chicks so you can keep them safe. Mama bird did good up till now, but you'll lose the babies if you push it.

 

[BayGoose]

I know you wrote this two days ago, but I would separate them. Almost like what your title says, quail maternal instincts are limited. But it is amazing she was able to incubate them to hatching. You would feel better knowing their safe in the brooder.

 

[vigibigi]

Thank you both, I did take them out fairly soon after I posted this. When i brought them in their feet were bleeding a bit, but now there settled and happy and their feet are looking much better!
Even so, we're very proud that she managed to hatch and look after them for the first couple of days, it was lovely to watch.