Protective bantam mother troubles

[dfvellone]

Had one of my bantams hatch a small clutch of eggs and her protectiveness has made it near impossible to check on, feed and water the chicks without jeopardizing their safety. Tried going at night with a very dim red light and she still managed to see enough to start her protective strut which has her strutting and scratching the ground wildly tossing chicks and burying them in bedding. Once she settles and the chicks try to get back under her wings she'll aggressively peck at them. When they're under her again all is well until I try to feed, water, or just check on them, then it's all over again. I've had another hen, a brahma, mother chicks and had no problems, and I've been wished good luck by a neighboring farmer when I told him the bantam had hatched her eggs. Should I probably just throw in the towel and take the chicks away and keep them in my house where I can take care of them, or trust that she'll handle it? I can't even check to see if they're eating or drinking since every time I open the door to check she starts her dance!

 

[OneMountainAcres]

If they are chicks that you really want to make sure they make it, I would take them and raise them yourself. If they're not, I'd just set food and water nearby and let her alone and hope she does a good job. You'll know then for next time if she'll be a good mother or a bad one and whether or not to let her hatch again.

 

[centrarchid]

Check link below. If you think worth your time, then ask questions here.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/training-aggressive-broody-to-work-with-kids.1173295/

 

[chickens really]

Hello....

Being they are newly hatched she is in protective Momma mode and she will calm once they get a bit older...
With my Bantam Hen I provide her with enough food and water to last her a couple of days while she fist settles into her role as Momma...I leave her alone for the most part...The reason she pecks at them is because she is telling them to hide under her...She will not injure them....
Their is no reason to take her Chicks away...She sounds like a great Momma....

Give her time.....

 

[sc000000bysnack]

Hello....

Being they are newly hatched she is in protective Momma mode and she will calm once they get a bit older...
With my Bantam Hen I provide her with enough food and water to last her a couple of days while she fist settles into her role as Momma...I leave her alone for the most part...The reason she pecks at them is because she is telling them to hide under her...She will not injure them....
Their is no reason to take her Chicks away...She sounds like a great Momma....

Give her time.....

Out of curiosity (and I'm new to the chicken life), what circumstances or situation would lead you to take the chicks away?

 

[chickens really]

Only only if she is killing them or is overwhelmed with too many....

 

[centrarchid]

Hen pecks at them because she is stressed. Additionally, bond between hen and chicks may for some reason not be strong.