- Feb 23, 2012
- 31
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We're fixing to take a flying leap off the deep end here. : )
One of our Buff Rocks, Butter, went broody, so we let her try. She hatched out her babies, and what a wonder to behold. They're very active with vibrant leg color, no sticky bottom, robust in every way. I can't believe some of the the huge things they ate at just two days old! It's wonderful to watch her teaching them how to be chickens - a completely different experience.
We were told recently that the babies can't be with roosters or the rest of the flock because they'll get pecked, but that hasn't been our experience at all; mama would never allow such foolishness.
So here's where it gets interesting: for our hatching operation on our small farm, we want to build up our brooding flock as our primary method of hatching and raising chicks. There won't be any expectations on our broody gals for eggs; they will be free to hatch and raise to their heart's content. And this level of effort on our part can't be beat.
For anyone who does a similar thing, can you suggest a reliably broody breed that are excellent mothers? Standard Cochins were recommended to us for broodiness, but we've never had one, and we don't know what they're like as mothers.
If you made it this far - congrats! A gold star for you. : ) And thank you for any suggestions; we put a lot of stock into the advice that comes from BYC.
Blessings,
Jennifer
One of our Buff Rocks, Butter, went broody, so we let her try. She hatched out her babies, and what a wonder to behold. They're very active with vibrant leg color, no sticky bottom, robust in every way. I can't believe some of the the huge things they ate at just two days old! It's wonderful to watch her teaching them how to be chickens - a completely different experience.
We were told recently that the babies can't be with roosters or the rest of the flock because they'll get pecked, but that hasn't been our experience at all; mama would never allow such foolishness.
So here's where it gets interesting: for our hatching operation on our small farm, we want to build up our brooding flock as our primary method of hatching and raising chicks. There won't be any expectations on our broody gals for eggs; they will be free to hatch and raise to their heart's content. And this level of effort on our part can't be beat.
For anyone who does a similar thing, can you suggest a reliably broody breed that are excellent mothers? Standard Cochins were recommended to us for broodiness, but we've never had one, and we don't know what they're like as mothers.
If you made it this far - congrats! A gold star for you. : ) And thank you for any suggestions; we put a lot of stock into the advice that comes from BYC.
Blessings,
Jennifer