Chicken Math Got Me Bad....

[redinator]

That wasn't even the worst part! There were usually multiple hens in the nest at the same time ... and they would also play "Pass the Potato," literally stealing eggs out from under their neighbors.
I actually watched one pullet roll a "stray" egg a good three feet to where she was hiding hers. At that point, I gave up trying to keep track!

When the eggs were far enough along to reliably candle, I pulled them all. Surprisingly, almost half survived the games! Call me weak, but I can't toss obviously developing eggs. I pulled the two most persistent Mamas and moved them to a rabbit hutch with the remaining nine eggs. Out of 20+ eggs with five Mamas, I got four really nice youngsters.

Lessons learned:

• When everyone is in peak laying mode, gather twice a day.
• Check ALL corners for eggs, because the little monkeys roll and hide them.
• Never, EVER count on a newly laying pullet to abandon the nest!

I just had a 7 month old barnyard mix hatch and raise a few chicks. They're 6 weeks old and she's still taking care of them.

I have 5 Buff Orpingtons, only one laying, and 5 Cochin Bantams.

I can't wait for them to go broody <<< famous last words, lol

 

[Sefirothe]

This is a screenshot from my convo with my chicken dealer.

Nowadays when friends ask me how many birds I have, I say 'Shh... we don't talk about that."

View attachment 4231013

Oooo, double silver laced barnies…..I’m jealous!!

 

[hammyanne]

Oooo, double silver laced barnies…..I’m jealous!!

I ordered them from Alchemist Farm! And apparently they’re bred to be a bit smaller than the standard LF. Highly recommend ◡̈

 

[Sefirothe]

I ordered them from Alchemist Farm! And apparently they’re bred to be a bit smaller than the standard LF. Highly recommend ◡̈

Ahh...I'm on the wrong side of the country to trust shipping chicks from CA sadly. I've had one bad experience going from just OH to PA. I'll have to look closer to home. I do want to get another one of these days.

My very first order had a Barnevelder and she was my original favorite. Cadbury was always a bit sick as a chick, she had constant pasty butt even when the others were fine. As an adult, she was off and on lethargic and sick, I had to separate her a couple times because the others would pick on her, especially her comb. I took her to the vet and he put her on antibiotics but it didnt help. Cadbury never laid an egg and ended up passing just before she hit one year old.

 

[atomic]

But seriously? It all started when me and my boyfriend got off the water (adult beverages were involved, of course) and for some reason we decided LETS GET CHICKENS. Got four from rural king, no idea what they were because I let him pick and also, alcohol. This lead to picking up five more from a farm swap, of which four ended up being boys. Successfully rehomed all of them, oh but hatching is fun right? Hatched four ducks, then remembered how much I despise raising ducks (but loved them when they were outside) and rehomed them as well WOW were they messy and thought my mere presence would instantly cause them to combust. Now I have eight and I swear no more!