Had a first time Royal Palm hen that hatched 7 of 11 eggs about a week ago. She is super protective but kept stepping on the babies. She started taking long travels through the days even though they couldn't keep up well. 3 died after a few days. I watched her standing on them but was afraid to interfere and make her "push-off" them and break them.
She's down to 4 now and I took them away last night to put in the brooder. She now sleeps on the brooder and talks to them. I feel bad for her but I feel worse for the chicks that she wasn't able to properly care for.
Anybody ever experience this? Do turkey hens get much better at mothering with their second and third hatches?
Thanks!
She's down to 4 now and I took them away last night to put in the brooder. She now sleeps on the brooder and talks to them. I feel bad for her but I feel worse for the chicks that she wasn't able to properly care for.
Anybody ever experience this? Do turkey hens get much better at mothering with their second and third hatches?
Thanks!
