When our hen went broody and we decided to let her sit on eggs we didn't separate her from the others, she would just sit in the nesting box and they would leave her alone. Her first egg started hatching last night and completely hatched this morning. I took the other hens and rooster out of the nesting area and locked it up and left Momma Hen alone with the chick. I decided to open up the door and see how they'd do and right away one of the hens went over and started pecking her between the eyes. I noticed some dry blood on her (must of been from over night or earlier in the day??) so I shooed all the hens away from Momma Hen and locked them out so she can be by herself. How long should I leave them away from her? They all usually sleep (niecely) together in the nesting area. If I don't let them in will they just settle and sleep in the bigger fenced in area they play in during the day? My husband usually tends to all the details of them and he's out of town for a bit and I can't contact him so I don't know what to do with them. Thanks!!
