Momma chicken attack

[21hens-incharge]

Quick update. Momma killed a different chick then the one she attacked yesterday. We just opened the run and let momma out. The 1st chick is doing good.

You have the remaining chicks contained yes?

 

[Maryeb]

Yes. They are in the run. I held it in my hand til it died.

 

[21hens-incharge]

Yes. They are in the run. I held it in my hand til it died.

I am sorry. I had hoped she would not go full nutso.

 

[Maryeb]

Is that fairly normal? Im trying to talk my husband to go to a farmers market here and buy a few more. Dont think i want a momma anymore.

 

[21hens-incharge]

It depends on a lot of things really.

If they are confined in a space SHE feels is to small, if she is a first time mom, if she is an ornery flighty breed.....and a lot more ifs.

In my experience not all broody hens should be allowed to hatch eggs or be given chicks to adopt.

I adore my bantam black cochin for her mothering capabilities. I would never give my California white (production mixed breed) that is broody a single egg to hatch or a chick to adopt. She is way to nutty.

It is definitely far more common that a broody hen will raise chicks properly and not attack.

 

[Maryeb]

Im not sure what kind she is. She layed and hatched by our gate. We bought chick feed, built a coop, etc. She was very protective til 2 days ago.

 

[21hens-incharge]

What part of the world are you located in?
Can you get a picture of her?

She may be a mixed breed if your area has a lot of loose chickens.

 

[Maryeb]

We live in Juncos PR. Yes, there are alot of free range chickens.

 

[21hens-incharge]

Is she really as tiny as she looks?

She is cute!
While being a mixed breed is super likely she sure does have a strong resemblance to a Spangled Old English Game bantam.

 

[Maryeb]

Are they mean? There is so much more to raising chicken then what i remember from my Aunt and uncles farm!