Mama hen won't let me replace the feed or water!! :-)

[Dylon]

I know it doesn't sound urgent, but the chicks hatched a couple of days ago and they are running low on feed. Very low. When I try to, she freaks out and jumps at me, and runs around the cage. The babies stay under her feet and they get stepped on and one even got knocked out of the cage. The cage is very large, but she comes at me through the open door even at night.

Can anyone help me out?

 

[Judy]

I would guess she wants to get back to the flock. I let my broodies raise their chicks in with the flock. They have done a good job of protecting the chicks from others, chasing hens who get too close away. You can feed the chicks' starter feed to the whole flock, no problem. Just offer oyster shell separately for the laying hens.

 

[steutsch054]

When you put your hand into the cage grab her head as fast as possible so she can't run. Then take the chicks out and place them somewhere safe.
last hold the chicken down and replace the food and water. It won't hurt the chicken. then replace the chicks.
It works! I do it with me broody hens.

 

[steutsch054]

The chick is really small though. Wont it get tranpled?