Mother killing babies

[Desirai]

Is it normal for the mother hen to peck her chicks to death? Found 2 chicks bloodied and dead, caught the hen in the act of biting/pecking a 3rd chick. It has sustained injuries to its head and neck, I don't think they are life threatening but I immediately took all the chicks away from the mother hen. Why would she do this?

 

[sourland]

No, it is far from normal behavior. Taking the chicks away was a wise move. I would never allow her to brood again, and I would even be reluctant to use her daughters as broody hens.

 

[Alaskan]

I agree with sourland. I have no idea why she would that. I am so sorry you had to see that!