The thing you should try not to miss is when the dad imprints the chicks. The first time I saw this I was rather concerned. The rooster approaches mum with the chicks and if mum is ready she steps away from the chicks a little so the rooster can have unobstructed access. He drops his head right next to the chick and I mean half an inch away and stares at the chick for quite a few seconds. he does this with every one as mum stand seemingly a bit nervous ready to intervene if things go wrong.
Fortunatly I've never seen it go wrong.
After the imprinting the roosters tend to take a much more active part in looking after the chicks.
Here, if the mum starts laying eggs again before she's finished rearing the chicks you often see dad scratching for food for the chicks and even see them underneath him if its late and getting cold while the mum lays her egg.
I was in the coop when my broody let the rest of the flock peek at her chicks. Never with a roo though so I'm hoping I get a xhance to see that some day!
We're home. No dock. The Dr. got the mass off and the skin closed without needing to remove bone. He's doing okay. Just had a small meal with his pain and heart meds.
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Yay!! I'm happy things went well for Skittles Dobie! I'm sure it's a load off your mind.
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