Possible rejected chick

[dao1947]

We got eight fertilized eggs for our broody hen, Francine, to sit on hoping at least some would hatch. Of course all eight hatched Friday. For some reason Francine was pecking the one chick and injured it's back. We sperated the chick by putting it in a bird cage with food and water and left the cage in the coop with Francine and the other chicks. The rejected one wants out of the cage to be with it's siblings but I'm concerned that Francine will injure or kill it. The chcik appears to be as healthy as the others so I'm not sure why Francine rejected it. When it get a little older can we let it run with the other chicks and will it be safe from Francine?

David(dao1947)

 

[Imp]

Quote:
Francine likely might kill the chick. If you try to reintegrate you could try at night, slipping it under her. It's a risk. I think if you decide to raise it seperately you might want to take another chick for it to have a friend.
I think later when it gets older and it can get away from Francine, you might be able to let it play with the others.

Good luck

Imp

 

[TreyNC]

Just had a similar incident. My hen tried to kill one that came out black. Seperated it, then she tried to kill the next black one. (First two were yellow, mom is gold) Seperated the last black one before she could get a good look at it. Mine did not hatch at the same time. One a day. I seperated all the chicks so they could grow up together. Seems to be going ok, every one gets along.

Trey

 

[pgpoultry]

It does happen, some hens don't like certain chicks. It can relate to the colour.
If she takes an instant dislike to any it is best to remove them from momma.

Sandie

 

[dao1947]

Thanks to all who replied. We were thinking of taking one of the other chicks to live with it's sibling.