new baby chick dying

[jarbill]

This week, I had some new chicks for the first time in my flock. Both were three or four days old and then were found dead. Are the other hens or roosters killing them or is it more likely that it's accidental? The mother was there with the second one, and she was very vocal about me getting too close to her baby, even though it was dead. Any help would be appreciated. I have about 16 more eggs being sat on right now, and I want to stop whatever behavior is causing this.

Thanks.

Jerry in Texas

 

[HappyHenMama]

Hi Jerry,

I seperated my broody mama and her chick once her chick hatched. I have a small coop and a large coop so I was able to do so. Anyway, I personally think it's better to give mom and chicks their own space until the chicks are a couple of weeks old. I let them free range for a while by themselves and then eventually let mom and her chick free range with the rest of the flock. Mom did a great job letting everyone know to stay away from her baby. Do you have a way of seperating the setting hen and her eggs? A dog kennel works fine if you have one. Put gloves on and gently pick up your broody hen to a nest that you set up and gently move eggs under her.

Good Luck!