BYC Café

[Shadrach]

Good morning, Shad. Thanks for the coffee and congratulations on finding Noila.
My Australorp, Astrid, is thinking very seriously about going broody. She was impressively hissy and puffed herself up quite impressively when I hauled her off the nest yesterday when I got home from work. Even though I had all those chicks running around, she didn't try to adopt even one! Is 6 weeks old too late to slip under a broody hen after dark??

It is too late I'm sorry to say.

 

[DobieLover]

It is too late I'm sorry to say.

Drats!
I guess I'll have to finish the run after all.

 

[Shadrach]

Drats!
I guess I'll have to finish the run after all.

At around six weeks mum would be getting ready to let them know it is time for them to fend for themselves.
It's one of those being a chicken bonuses with regard to parenting.
For 5 to 8 weeks parenting is 24 hr full on commitment. Mum doesn't get to eat much, sleep much and many die defending their chicks. However, once the job is done, that's it, no more nice mum. It is quite heartbreaking to watch in some ways.
The chicks tend to follow dad after this stage or the junior rooster who gets the chick minding job and as far as I've seen, is responsible for answering any distress calls.

 

[igorsMistress]

Good morning, Shad. Thanks for the coffee and congratulations on finding Noila.
My Australorp, Astrid, is thinking very seriously about going broody. She was impressively hissy and puffed herself up quite impressively when I hauled her off the nest yesterday when I got home from work. Even though I had all those chicks running around, she didn't try to adopt even one! Is 6 weeks old too late to slip under a broody hen after dark??

Gasp, adoption!? Those hellions you've moved in and let take over, surely you must be joking? . Her children will be better behaved.

 

[igorsMistress]

At around six weeks mum would be getting ready to let them know it is time for them to fend for themselves.
It's one of those being a chicken bonuses with regard to parenting.
For 5 to 8 weeks parenting is 24 hr full on commitment. Mum doesn't get to eat much, sleep much and many die defending their chicks. However, once the job is done, that's it, no more nice mum. It is quite heartbreaking to watch in some ways.
The chicks tend to follow dad after this stage or the junior rooster who gets the chick minding job and as far as I've seen, is responsible for answering any distress calls.

I wish human child rearing was like that.

 

[Mtn Margie]

Morning! DL, it is time to get more chicks.
The trip was great and the horse is soaking up the heat and is happy. That horse is SO awesome with kids and he likes all of the attention.
I however am stupidly sick with some chest crud. Grrrrrr. But it is good to be home and we shall see if it can start to let go.
Hope everyones week went fine, no I didn't read the almost 50 pages, just jumping in.
Hot coffee!

 

[DobieLover]

At around six weeks mum would be getting ready to let them know it is time for them to fend for themselves.
It's one of those being a chicken bonuses with regard to parenting.
For 5 to 8 weeks parenting is 24 hr full on commitment. Mum doesn't get to eat much, sleep much and many die defending their chicks. However, once the job is done, that's it, no more nice mum. It is quite heartbreaking to watch in some ways.
The chicks tend to follow dad after this stage or the junior rooster who gets the chick minding job and as far as I've seen, is responsible for answering any distress calls.

Now, Shad, you must know by now I was being a wise ass.
I was, however, very intrigued by Astrid's behavior. Certainly not all out crazed broody hen. She's obviously only in the 'thinking about it' phase. But she's thinking pretty hard!

 

[Shadrach]

I wish human child rearing was like that.

It's easy to miss the downside. 4 hens here have died defending their chicks. Very roughly, that's a bout 50% of the mums. Even odds on a life and death bet isn't something I would accept from any bookmaker.

 

[Shadrach]

Oh arr, I meant to say @igorsMistress I read your second article. You're going to end up on the naughty step with me if you're not careful.

 

[igorsMistress]

It's easy to miss the downside. 4 hens here have died defending their chicks. Very roughly, that's a bout 50% of the mums. Even odds on a life and death bet isn't something I would accept from any bookmaker.

That's sad, I can't imagine although I feel like I could kill someone to defend my kids. I just meant the 6 weeks part...that would be awesome. The 18 years thing felt a bit long to me

I'm kidding, sort of. Love my kids, but I hated the baby stage. Give me a puppy or a chick instead please.