When is pecking a problem?

[Harmoni]

My broody RIR hatched 2 eggs on April 22nd. They are almost a week old. We have one other RIR who is top of the pecking order, 2 Golden comets who just started laying and 4 8 week old EEs. The mama goes after the comets and EEs to make them keep their distance, but she lets the other RIR peck at her babies. She has picked them up with a peck and kind of tossed them. Typically this is only occurring during treat time. My question is, how much pecking is too much? And why doesn't mama protect them from the other RIR?

 

[sourland]

She's probably too busy going after treats herself to watch them. I'd stop giving treats until they are larger.

 

[50-45-1]

The other RIR is highest in the pecking order, above broody Mom The younger two are at the bottom so she can hustle them.
The 2 RIR's are probably flock mates, and your broody is a first timer.
The newly hatched chicks could be injured by this RIR.
I would separate broody and chicks to their own space for a week or two until they are big enough to avoid this hen more themselves.
Congrats!

 

[Harmoni]

Wouldn't it make more sense to seclude the bully?

 

[50-45-1]

Either, it's up to you.
I have an ideal set up for my hens with chicks ,so that's the direction my mind goes.

 

[Harmoni]

Either, it's up to you.
I have an ideal set up for my hens with chicks ,so that's the direction my mind goes.

I'm pretty sure it is only food related. Although I just watched my non mama RIR steal a worm from one of the babies twice and the babies try to chase her and she didn't do anything