New chick killed by mother hen

TMosh

In the Brooder
Apr 9, 2015
24
3
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Hello all. I have a hen who decided to go broody. She was sitting on two eggs originally, but then stole a few eggs from my other hens.
The first two eggs hatched last Saturday (yay!).
I knew if I left the other eggs they would be about a week behind and was concerned if she would stay on them.
Anyway, one hatched this morning.
When I saw it, it was dry and walking around but kinda shivering. It finally got under mama and I left for some running around I had to do. I was gone about an hour, and when I returned I found the newest chick dead. Mama had pecked it's head until it died. I was so very sad.
My concern is that there are a few eggs left to hatch. Will she do the same to them or was this one possibly sick?
I don't have an incubator. Should I remove them as soon as they hatch and separate them?
 
Staggered hatches are generally not very successful. She has probably bonded with the first two chicks and any new hatches (especially if a different color) may be viewed as 'intruders' and may be killed by her.
 
Thanks for the quick reply.
So it's best if I remove them as soon as they hatch and keep in a brooder.
 
I checked on the remaining eggs yesterday and noticed one had pipped. I left it under mama until late in the evening, then I brought it in. I know this is risky, but so is letting mama peck it to death. ..so I set up a box and heat lamp. I placed a warm damp towel under the egg, and a warm damp paper towel over the egg. I got up this morning and the little fella made some progress. .I hope to have a new chick soon. Here is a pic of the egg . See the little beak?
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Thank you!
The chick is currently in the brooder since I do not have an incubator. I am thinking I should pick one up though. Never know when I might need it. .plus there is 3 more eggs.
I have the heat lamp on her, but I am a little worried she is cold.
 
If she is huddling as close the heat lamp as possible, lower the lamp slightly so as to provide more warmth. If she is not getting as close to the lamp as possible, then she is fine
 
Thanks. She gets up and wobbles around, then sleeps, etc. She isn't shivering and she moves away from the lamp and back to it, so I think she will be ok.
 

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