How to Stop a Broody Hen From Killing Chicks

A broody hen is not a friendly hen. Once in a while, a hen becomes very protective of her eggs, whether they are fertilized or not. She may peck and ruffle her feathers at the egg collector and attack other hens and chicks in the pen. Often, she kills other hen's chicks because she doesn't have any of her own, but may kill her own if she doesn't know any better.

Things You'll Need

  • Dog kennel or pen
  • Bucket
  • Cool (not cold) water
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Instructions

    • 1

      Isolate the hen. If you can, build a small, separate run for the broody hen. After the chicks are grown, it's likely she will stop attacking them. She may just need some time away from the chicks to lose her interest in motherhood, according to Self-Suffiency in Style.

    • 2

      Cool the air around the hen in her isolated pen. Don't give her bedding in which to warm herself.

    • 3

      Dip the hen a couple of times in a pail of cool water. This is an "old-fashioned" method suggested by Success with Poultry, and is said to bring the brooding temperature down enough to calm her down and make her give up her broody ways.

    • 4

      Butcher a hen that is repeatedly broody and won't stop killing chicks. Hens, even older ones, are excellent for eating if stewed for several hours until the meat is very tender.