Why do the other hens attack the chicks?

[Anon112]

I had a broody hen with a chick in her usual flock. There were a few dust-ups between mama and two of the other hens, but everyone seemed to be ignoring the baby. Came out to feed them this morning and found the baby totally savaged (she is alive, but I think she will pass soon). It feels like it came out of nowhere. And the mother hen has been so protective when it comes to the chick.

 

[Carters Chick House]

I had a broody hen with a chick in her usual flock. There were a few dust-ups between mama and two of the other hens, but everyone seemed to be ignoring the baby. Came out to feed them this morning and found the baby totally savaged (she is alive, but I think she will pass soon). It feels like it came out of nowhere. And the mother hen has been so protective when it comes to the chick.

That's so sad. Part of the whole chicken thing. Chickens are meaner than I ever thought they would be.

 

[Anon112]

That's so sad. Part of the whole chicken thing. Chickens are meaner than I ever thought they would be.

Thank you. When I asked, some folks encouraged me to integrate them and just keep a strong eye out. I now wish that I'd kept them separated for longer and/or only had them around each other when I was there to directly supervise.