I have an OE that likes to go broody when other hens do. I say she is not a trend setter but a follower. Last year, she was an unreliable broody, so when she became broody this year, I let a Silkie start the clutch. After the Silkie decided to kick them all out of her nest and stop being broody, I put them all under the OE. Out of 6, 3 survived, so I got rid of that particular Silkie. My OE was happily caring for her three chicks (one ended up getting eaten by a snake, so now there are two).
Lately (around the last week or so), Mommy OE has been running away from the chicks, leaving them to their own devices, I think think they are about 3 weeks old. They seem to be really happy hanging around my Barred Rock Rooster, but as soon as Mommy hen reappears, they stick to her like glue.
Now, I have a broody Phoenix, and Mommy OE has decided to go broody AGAIN! Is this normal? I've never had a hen go broody more than once a year. My other Phoenix hen has also decided to go broody, so I now have three broody hens. The original hen is sitting on a clutch of 5 in a wire kennel to keep her eggs safe, and another will be set up tomorrow.
I tried looking up my answer, but couldn't find anything. Please forgive me if I am repeating a question already asked. I'll get pictures as soon as I can get them off iCloud.
Lately (around the last week or so), Mommy OE has been running away from the chicks, leaving them to their own devices, I think think they are about 3 weeks old. They seem to be really happy hanging around my Barred Rock Rooster, but as soon as Mommy hen reappears, they stick to her like glue.
Now, I have a broody Phoenix, and Mommy OE has decided to go broody AGAIN! Is this normal? I've never had a hen go broody more than once a year. My other Phoenix hen has also decided to go broody, so I now have three broody hens. The original hen is sitting on a clutch of 5 in a wire kennel to keep her eggs safe, and another will be set up tomorrow.
I tried looking up my answer, but couldn't find anything. Please forgive me if I am repeating a question already asked. I'll get pictures as soon as I can get them off iCloud.