Broody hen attacking chick (but only if she sees her)

[pointsalamander]

So I have a hen that's been broody for a good while.
Breaking her want working so I found a pretty young baby for $1 at tractor supply and figured if she was that desperate it would be great.

Well last night in the middle of dark I went out. Now she initially freaked out but once baby was under her she calmed down.

And sure enough happy baby noises can be heard. And my hen is talking to the chick like I've heard my silkie moms do.

But I went this morning to grab the eggs and moved the hen slightly. My hen SAW the chick and immediately attacked chasing the baby peck it. It was not pretty.


Now I got the baby. Checked her over (no injuries) and put baby back under under mom And the world is right again. She's back to chatting with the baby.

But this baby is going to need to eat and drink. Is my hen going to let that happen? Or should I be prepared to raise this solo baby inside.

Any ideas why? The hen is about 2 years old she's been broody many times but this is get first time with a baby.


I did modify my set up so there is a brooder plate and food and water in a place the baby can go without mom following.so if baby is attacked and runs it will be safe till I get out there.

 

[Aunt Angus]

I'd raise the chick in a brooder. Or try the fostering process all over again. I'd be very worried she'll kill it.

Also, I'd get another chick, unless you have other chicks around the same age elsewhere in your flock. Ime, single chicks don't turn out well without a buddy.

 

[pointsalamander]

progress update.
So the chick wasn't as loud sounding. Still happy. But I figure it was getting to the point it needed food and water. So I kicked the other 4 members of the flock out and moved my protective set up (trying to keep mom and baby in the flock without letting my monster hen eat this baby *yes she has eaten a baby before*).
I got baby out who had a nice big drink of water then ran back to mom. AND MOM LET HER BACK! there was still pecking but it was sooo much gentler than yesterday mornings. And baby didn't need my help to get back under mom, mom let her back after a few gentle pecks.
So now hopefully momma will get up and do some eating and drinking so the chick gets food and water and we should have a happy momma baby pair!

 

[pointsalamander]

I'd raise the chick in a brooder. Or try the fostering process all over again. I'd be very worried she'll kill it.

Also, I'd get another chick, unless you have other chicks around the same age elsewhere in your flock. Ime, single chicks don't turn out well without a buddy.

no other chicks around. unfortunately city limit is 6 birds. and baby is #6 and with 4 young kids we can't do the raise several and pick 1 because that doesn't work for their emotional age.

 

[pointsalamander]

YAY!!!

Now I just need to keep the rest of the flock from hurting baby.

 

[Mamatomany123]

When she starts to wean this chick it is going to be very lonely. If you can't get another then I highly suggest rehoming it with other chicks. The other hens will most likely not allow this chick to roost with them until she starts laying and mama hen will most likely wean this chick around 6 weeks old. She's going to be alone for quite some time.

 

[pointsalamander]

When she starts to wean this chick it is going to be very lonely. If you can't get another then I highly suggest rehoming it with other chicks. The other hens will most likely not allow this chick to roost with them until she starts laying and mama hen will most likely wean this chick around 6 weeks old. She's going to be alone for quite some time.

I have never had a problem with that in my little flock.

I got a lone 2 month old Easter egger about 2 months ago. She roosts with almost everyone else.
My silkie sleeps all alone because her fluffy butt physically can't get to my roosting area. But these are all super mellow ladies. My salmon Faverolle is my dominant hen and as long as she gets her mealworms first she's cool with any one and everyone and even let's the new girl sleep under her most nights.

Darker brown was the new girl till baby came

 

[Aunt Angus]

Glad to hear it worked out! I hope your good luck with single chicks continues. Great news!

 

[pointsalamander]

Well I am sad to report that my broody hen has suddenly died.

I checked in on the coop at 830am after opening the door for everyone else at 7am.
Momma and baby were both happy and healthy.

I went out a noon since I knew my other birds would be done laying and I was going to close the door to the run with all the other adults outside and then let momma and baby have the run of the full coop. But I knew something was wrong right away because I heard distressed peeps. I THOUGHT baby had just gotten out of teh enclosure but didn't hear momma. Well upon walking in baby was in the food dish crying loudly and momma was unmoving.

She was only a year old.... we raised her by hand, hatched her in our own incubator. The whole 9 yards. She was my 9 year olds baby birdie.

The chick is now in with a stuffy. We are having to drive about an hour away to get another chick because sadly Tractor Supply sold ALL THE CHICKS they had. So yeah I couldn't get one of the hatchmates.

I'm bawling over here.

My big kids will be home from school in 15 minutes and I have to go tell them.... .

RIP Confetti Fufu

 

[Mamatomany123]

Well I am sad to report that my broody hen has suddenly died.

I checked in on the coop at 830am after opening the door for everyone else at 7am.
Momma and baby were both happy and healthy.

I went out a noon since I knew my other birds would be done laying and I was going to close the door to the run with all the other adults outside and then let momma and baby have the run of the full coop. But I knew something was wrong right away because I heard distressed peeps. I THOUGHT baby had just gotten out of teh enclosure but didn't hear momma. Well upon walking in baby was in the food dish crying loudly and momma was unmoving.

She was only a year old.... we raised her by hand, hatched her in our own incubator. The whole 9 yards. She was my 9 year olds baby birdie.

The chick is now in with a stuffy. We are having to drive about an hour away to get another chick because sadly Tractor Supply sold ALL THE CHICKS they had. So yeah I couldn't get one of the hatchmates.

I'm bawling over here.

My big kids will be home from school in 15 minutes and I have to go tell them.... .

RIP Confetti Fufu

I'm so sorry. It always stings when we lose one. I definitely recommend getting another chick now for this baby. She will be ok without mama but she will not be ok alone.