Broody Barred ROCK

[walkswithdog]

Speckledhen sent me my first eggs. That hatch went poorly (power outage) and I only managed to save one BR. That BR is Ponder, who is about half grown now and laying.

Several days ago Ponder was almost eaten by a coon.

I heard the disturbance, ran to the coop and all but grabbed the dang thing. I couldn't tell if he had dropped the hen or taken it in the dark. I found one hen nearby, unwounded and put her back in the coop. I thought perhaps she was the bird he'd had.

Sadly several hours later in the light I found Ponder's feathers ( I can tell each barred bird's feathers I spend too much time with them.) I thought I'd lost her. Dawn came and went and finally up walks Ponder clucking to me about her ordeal. A close examination revealed a neck wound that would require care. I brought her in and gave her the space at the bottom of a large parrot cage.

Because the wound was ugly, I started collecting her eggs. Worried I might have to replace her yet due to infection. I saved for several days and then on a whim because she was playing with the straw in the bottom of the cage I gave her back all the eggs and a couple others. LOL voila, broody.

My little miracle is sitting her eight eggs quite happily. Today is day 0. <very big grin>

 

[speckledhen]

This is helmstead's fault!!!!!

Most of my girls came from her flock and her rooster she lost last year, just after I lost my Hawkeye. She has one BR hen who always goes broody. So, I'm betting that Ponder is the daughter of Kate's broody BR hen. I'm just thrilled you didn't lose her to that coon!

 

[helmstead]

I might add, that silly hen is broody AS WE SPEAK. Nightly I am pecked and growled at whilst collecting eggs (infertile eggs at that, LOL)

 

[walkswithdog]

Kate - well thank you! Due to starting out as a singlet and spending farrrr too much time in the kitchen, Ponder thinks I'm okay, even near her eggs. She's very much a pet.

I'll take pics eventually, lol battery under-charged. She doesn't mind her spot. I think she may be wondering why she went outside to be picked on at all. LOL.

I open the door when she calls me and I take her out. This ought to be fun. She's such a good bird. So thank you both, very much.

 

[speckledhen]

Well, Miss Kate, you know where you can get as many fertile eggs are you like, m'dear! You were always so generous with your eggs and I'd love to return the favor.