Mama, the RIR who raised the BO chicks for me in February is at it again. This time I moved her out of the nest box and into a plastic dog crate for air travel-it has very small chick proof openings before getting her chicks. After a day I opened the grate thinking she would prefer the new nest. Not. She was back in the nest box. So I moved her again and she got really grumpy, and kept her back end to the door. That showed me!
But, even though she was put out with me I got her some chicks yesterday, two Speckled Sussex and one Americauna...had the brooder all set up for them, so the only peeping I heard was during the brief ride home. The car must have been slightly colder than they liked. After dark DH and I took the chicks, water and food to the coop and I bravely reached in to get the fake eggs. Mama pecked me gently about three times, but her heart wasn't in it, she was just registering her dips,easier at having to be in the carrier, and having me fiddling around in her personal space. But she kind of stood up, so I grabbed out the eggs and put the chicks close to her and she settled down on them.
This morning I have checked a few times, and all seems well.
I plan to keep them in the carrier today, then open the door and supervise what happens tomorrow.
I don't think Im fooling her with the fake eggs, because whenever she can get a real egg she would treat it with much more care than the fake ones. And, I don't think she is fooled into thinking that these adorable chicks hatched from those fake plastic Easter eggs that I insisted on putting with her. I think she knows that Im helping her, and that even though Im a bit overprotective and misguided by thinking I know how things work, she appreciates the chance to be a mom.
Glad everythings working out. I know what you mean with the fake eggs. I think my girls know the difference from their eggs and the golf balls. But they still sit on them because if they want real eggs they better keep their fluffy butts planted on those golf balls for a night or two. 
I am a chicken fanatic!
I love them all!
Along with any animal!
I have stopped trying to post all my chickens on here because I have now come to the point where I have to many to post!!
Anyways, I have Serama eggs for sale. (Limited Availablility.)
I am a chicken fanatic!
I love them all!
Along with any animal!
I have stopped trying to post all my chickens on here because I have now come to the point where I have to many to post!!
Anyways, I have Serama eggs for sale. (Limited Availablility.)
I put the last 2 unhatched eggs in my bator, but I don't have much hope for them at this point. It would be nice if they hatched, but I've got lots more coming soon too. 2 broody Cochins sharing 22 eggs, and another EE with 7. I sure hope no one else wants babies, I don't know where I'd put them. I'm afraid to leave a single egg in the nest box, for fear the broody madness will afflict another hen! I swear its contagious!
