My Chicks Have Gained a Second Mummy (Unfortunately!)

[Gasmanls7]

Hello,

I have 5 hens in a large run that also get let out to free range in a large garden each day. One of my hens went broody in April so we got her some fertile eggs and she hatched them the chicks are now around 6 weeks old but 2 weeks ago another hen went broody and we decided not to allow it (we think 2 of the chicks are roo's and do not want any more).

She went broody when we were away for the weekend and a pile of eggs built up, so we removed the eggs and removed her from the nest whenever she went back. We also placed her on a perch at night. After a couple of angry days she stopped trying to sit and we noticed she was exhibiting the same behaviours as mummy hen. She was following the chicks around, being protective and feeding them rather than herself. She's now been doing this for 2 weeks and is also moulting as mummy hen did.

My question is, is there a way we can stop this behaviour? She was previously the alpha hen and also a prolific layer so would like her to return to normal ASAP. Do I separate them? I'm fortunate enough to have a chicken coop and an outbuilding that I also converted to so the chickens have a covered area in the run (this was where I moved the broody to first time round) so I could remove her at night and let her mingle during the day or put her in there 24/7 until she stops mothering? Pics for fun :

First shows mummy with chicks and the other is new mummy feeding them.

 

[neo71665]

It's not uncommon for 2 or more mother chickens to combine their chicks and help each other raise them.

Why do you have an issue with it?

 

[Gasmanls7]

I keep chickens for their eggs mainly so would like her to start laying again.

 

[neo71665]

I keep chickens for their eggs mainly so would like her to start laying again.

I keep mine for eggs and meat but sometimes you have to let mother nature run it's course.


All I can suggest is get a dog crate and keep her locked up away from the chicks for a week or two and maybe she will forget them. It will be stressful on her but maybe she will start laying again.

 

[Gasmanls7]

Okay thanks, I've put her in a fenced off area where I'm letting grass grow back (she has access to food and water). She can still see the chicks though. Hopefully this will be enough without being stressful (she's currently napping stood up so can't be that bad )