Lavender Ameraucana Breeders .... UNITE

[Muggsmagee]

I have never (NEVER!) had a broody Ameraucana. Some hens have "pretended" to go broody for a day, and just didn't want to commit to the full time job! I have a huge Brinsea that I love, and keep Silkies and one Black Tailed White Japanese bantam that steal clutches to raise. The BTWJ hen went broody on air for 2 days and about attacked me when I brought in 2 week old chicks in a cage to put into a pen in the coop. I tested it out and let her in with them. The chicks were all sorts of confused at first. I let them all outside the next day and momma did what she was supposed to do...raised her adopted brood! Three months later, they are all still following her around. Some are BCM's from Wynette here on BYC, that are now twice her size. It's too cute.

 

[Shaffer]

I have never (NEVER!) had a broody Ameraucana. Some hens have "pretended" to go broody for a day, and just didn't want to commit to the full time job! I have a huge Brinsea that I love, and keep Silkies and one Black Tailed White Japanese bantam that steal clutches to raise. The BTWJ hen went broody on air for 2 days and about attacked me when I brought in 2 week old chicks in a cage to put into a pen in the coop. I tested it out and let her in with them. The chicks were all sorts of confused at first. I let them all outside the next day and momma did what she was supposed to do...raised her adopted brood! Three months later, they are all still following her around. Some are BCM's from Wynette here on BYC, that are now twice her size. It's too cute.

Wow, I never had that problem. They seem to go broody for me. Last year I had most of my chicks from the incubator hatches raised by Broodies, Lav Amer, Black AMer, Araucanas, and even Orpingtons. I had one black hen raise 50 chicks. Most raised around 30.

 

[Goose and Fig]

Woo hoo! A broody wheaten just hatched out a bunch of chicks today including two totally (huge white head spots) lavender cuckoo babies.

After the numerous failings I have had in my un-airconditioned house raising chicks, I let my broodies have the chicks every chance I get. A lot fewer losses that way.

 

[Muggsmagee]

Wow, I never had that problem. They seem to go broody for me. Last year I had most of my chicks from the incubator hatches raised by Broodies, Lav Amer, Black AMer, Araucanas, and even Orpingtons. I had one black hen raise 50 chicks. Most raised around 30.

Not fair! What a sight that must be...30+ chicks following momma! Could it be I'm the only one that hasn't had a broody Am? I've raised every color except Brown Red. NONE have stayed put in the nest to hatch. I have a Buff Orp that has never gone broody either...she's two and half. Only my bantams and one OE have done their due diligence...out of hundred and hundreds of hens! :/

Not Lav Am related, but wanted to share...

At the feeder is the BTWJ momma (white with black tail) with a few of her adopted BCM babies. Pic taken this evening.






Tonight I let out the Silkie momma with her 4 chicks...the Japanese bantam tried stealing her clutch! She was clucking like mad trying to show them food to eat! Maternal instinct runs deep with her.

 

[Muggsmagee]

Woo hoo! A broody wheaten just hatched out a bunch of chicks today including two totally (huge white head spots) lavender cuckoo babies.

After the numerous failings I have had in my un-airconditioned house raising chicks, I let my broodies have the chicks every chance I get. A lot fewer losses that way.

Congratulations!!! Can't wait to see how these grow out....post pics when you can! How many generations does it take to get to your results? I am using my lavs for a side project too. Oh the possibilities. Hopefully it doesn't "quite" take over 1,000 chicks to reach my desired result, as the chicken calculator tells me. I will be supplying the Central NY area with lots of Easter Eggers in the meantime!

 

[Goose and Fig]

Quote:
I really want to get some of Karen's lav wheatens to cross to them for lav crele. I think that would be sooo fun!
I posted a couple pics on the lav cuckoo EE thread: https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/524659/lavender-cuckoo-easter-egger/50#post_9432028

This is the start of my 3rd generation. They are 1/8 marans. There were 2 plain black chicks as well, but one has a single comb. Lots more culling to do....

 

[Goose and Fig]

Quote:
Ha ha- I don't know which are worse- hens or geese! Its been the year of the baby stealer here too.

 

[Muggsmagee]

Oh, lav crele. That would be great! The chick pics are adorable, btw!

 

[Ray_n_Debi]

Had to post some pics of these cuties that a hen hatched for me.

 

[Goose and Fig]

SO cute! They look fake!