The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Poultry & Waterfowl => Topic started by: Helencus on May 08, 2011, 05:37:01 pm

Title: Do hens kill chicks sometimes?
Post by: Helencus on May 08, 2011, 05:37:01 pm

Just been to check my broodies whose eggs are due to hatch Tuesday. Found blood in the nest box so checked and saw a half shell and 1 egg missing. No sign of a chick dead or alive? Guess she ate it but would she kill hatching chicks? If she has I'd rather finish them in the inccy and take them off her.

Title: Re: Do hens kill chicks sometimes?
Post by: Dizzycow on May 08, 2011, 05:55:10 pm

Yuck, poor you. Sounds like she has eaten it. I've never had a broody, always used an incubator. Good luck.  :wave:

Title: Re: Do hens kill chicks sometimes?
Post by: princesspiggy on May 08, 2011, 09:17:10 pm

wev never had that. only lost chicks when another hen tried to steal a chick and crushed it between em.
is she safe from foxes/rats?

Title: Re: Do hens kill chicks sometimes?
Post by: Helencus on May 08, 2011, 09:47:37 pm

Yes totally safe. I've taken the eggs from her to finish in the incubator now. To be honest it's easier to put any chicks with the 11 I hatched over the weekend rather than try to create a separate area for them in the enclosure anyway.