Momma hen pecking and not keeping new hatchlings warm!

[Gonzo]

Last night we had a few babies hatch out, I ended up having to set up a brooder because momma wouldn't care for them and would peck them! Why does this happen? I can't believe she did that!
now I have them in a brooder and they're doing great...

 

[lauralou]

I've had a first time broody who was an abysmal mother. I swore I would never let her brood again. We called her "the chick flinger". If that gives you any idea of how terrible she was.

I did give her eggs again, out of desperation, the next year. (None of my good broodies wanted to brood.) She was a great mother. I have no idea why she was so bad the first time. Too young?

 

[Gonzo]

shes 2.5 yrs old. the gal I got them from used to sell their hatching eggs. I don't think she was ever allowed to keep any to hatch out herself.