Broody Hens on Front Porch

[centrarchid]

This something I am doing more to acclimate chicks for a little trial, but might be of interest to some that do free-ranging bit. They are first birds I see every morning. Cleanup done daily and not too bad. No potted plants to worry about.

I have two broods; first under white hen on left numbers seven with 3 female and 3 male with another I cannot determine yet, and second with nine chicks under the wheatonish patterned toppy hen on the right. So I do not know what actual color type of latter is. Dogs photo-bombed.

Hen on left has been roosting in pen for last three nights.

Hen on right just brought out this morning.

During much of the day they will both be free-ranging front yard and around house. Before hen on right starts I will need to manage hen fighting that will ensue upon release. A rooster will help with that.

 

[aart]

Isn't the wire a bit rough on their feet?
Will you add something 'nestish' for them to sleep on.

I love watching your 'experiments'!

 

[centrarchid]

I have observed no foot problems after rearing many broods in them over the last 4 years or so. They have proven to be an added layer of protection for broods and helps keep them separated even when relatively close together.

Generally, groups in barn are imprinted on the cages so they return to them each night where they are then closed up until the following morning. That means they do not spend a lot of active time in them.

Multiple times now the little cages have protected broods from Great-horned Owls, Red Fox, and even Raccoon incursions. With latter the cage only needs to buy a little time for dogs to get in. When rain or snow heavy the hotwire perimeter is much less reliable to additional layers of protection helpful.

The coming experiment should be interesting as I am converting a 94-gallon fiber glass tank into a trial area where insects of various sizes and numbers can be presented to get a handle on how those variation impact handling time for chicks. The chicks and mother need to be held close by as a chick takes turn in tank. Scared chicks do not perform well without brood mates and mom close by.