One of my hens attacked my mother hen

[chicken_chicken123]

I have a hen who we separated because they hatched eggs. The babies are a few weeks old and we decided to try integrating them back together. We thought it would be okay because they can see each other but when we opened the door one of the hens went after the mother and was pulling out her feathers. The didn't happen before the babies. The hen is usually very sweet. Is there anything we can do to stop this behavior (other than separation)? When the babies grow up will it be better?

 

[nuthatched]

They are hormonal right now.

 

[aart]

I have a hen who we separated because they hatched eggs. The babies are a few weeks old and we decided to try integrating them back together. We thought it would be okay because they can see each other but when we opened the door one of the hens went after the mother and was pulling out her feathers. The didn't happen before the babies. The hen is usually very sweet. Is there anything we can do to stop this behavior (other than separation)? When the babies grow up will it be better?

Did the mama fight back?
It's totally normal for this to happen, the mama has been separate(even within sight) and acting 'weird'.
She'll have to fight for her position and let the flock know not to mess with her, let them work it out as it shouldn't take long.

 

[Mrs. K]

This is next time advice. When a broody hen sits - she comes out and terrorizes the flock if she is not separated from the flock. They give her space. When the chicks are first hatched, she is hugely hormonal, and will bring out the chicks to the flock, and they are used to giving her space, and she will protect the chicks.

About when the chicks are 3-5 weeks old, she forgets the chicks, but it is ok, cause they have been accepted by the flock. They are low on the totem pole, but not in danger for their lives.

But a common mistake is for people to keep a broody hen and chicks separate from the flock with the best of intentions, and then try and reintroduce mamma and chicks back into the flock. And you get a lot of aggressive behavior like you are describing.

Seeing a territory is not the same in the chicken mind as being in a territory.

Mrs K