Well I think my first attempt at having a broody hen failed somewhat. Out of 9 eggs, she hatched 3 little healthy cuties. But I must not have the right set up or need a separate coop and pen for mom and babies.
She was fine while she was just sitting on the eggs, but after they hatched she became a possessed monster. I tried leaving her in the big coop, didn't work...big chickens kept coming near her and she would attack. So I moved her and the babies to the juvenile coop. This morning my 4 five week olds that were in the same coop area came down from their perch to eat, momma went balistic! She doesn't just chase other chickens off, she attacks and keeps after them, cornering them and being horribly mean. Pretty much stepping all over her own babies in the process.
I finally got fed up and took the babies away from her. Put her back with the big girls and put her 3 chicks in with my little Mille Fleur babies. I just didn't know what else to do.
I was prepared for her to give a few pecks or growls to keep other chickens away, but not for her to chase, corner and go in for the kill.
She was fine while she was just sitting on the eggs, but after they hatched she became a possessed monster. I tried leaving her in the big coop, didn't work...big chickens kept coming near her and she would attack. So I moved her and the babies to the juvenile coop. This morning my 4 five week olds that were in the same coop area came down from their perch to eat, momma went balistic! She doesn't just chase other chickens off, she attacks and keeps after them, cornering them and being horribly mean. Pretty much stepping all over her own babies in the process.
I finally got fed up and took the babies away from her. Put her back with the big girls and put her 3 chicks in with my little Mille Fleur babies. I just didn't know what else to do.
I was prepared for her to give a few pecks or growls to keep other chickens away, but not for her to chase, corner and go in for the kill.