Colorado

[suncatcher]

Came across these folks this last week, they offer organic feed and holistic medicine, All Things Homestead, I think they are in Franktown area. They are really nice to deal with, and answer emails right away, so passing this along...........

 

[Ashdoes]

Hey, no matter her current coloring, she is still an excellent blue egg carrier. The v definetly says girl. I guess you ignore the spot if it's small, and the markings aren't messy like on the boys.
Here are my boys, this was taken on the iPad, so not the best. But you can see what I mean by messy.

 

[saellis]

They will love being with a momma, just keep an eye on them first thing in the morning, she will likely stick to the nest for awhile, and they will need to eat and drink since they are over two or three days old, so an area with just them and her with their water and feed would work best.

I use a dog crate inside the coop. I can lock them in with momma if they are too young to come out, usually only a day or two, along with their food and water. This also allows the other hens to get to know them through the wire. When I think every chick is doing well, I keep the crate door open and momma takes them out to forage with her, she also takes them inside the crate at night, but she may need to be placed inside with them a few times.

This is just what I do, you will find what works best for you........

The chicks and their broody took to each other immediately. I removed the fake eggs in the dark and then went back to the house to get the box of four PBR chicks. As soon as Broody heard the cheeping she lifted her body and wings enough for me to easily slip them under her. Only one chick wanted to run circles around and on Broody for a few minutes. She finally calmed down enough to get her under too. So far it's going textbook but I wish this weather would warm up enough so they can get out to eat and drink. Anyone heard of a broody that was so protective that the chicks got dehydrated and malnourished?

 

[Pozees]

saellis - yes, if they still had eggs. Make sure the food and water are very near the hen in case she thinks they are too brand new to get up and eat and drink yet. Sounds like it is going well, though

 

[suncatcher]

Were the chicks eating and drinking for you when you had them inside? You can put a small container of water and food close to the nest, as close as possible. If momma doesn;t show them where the food and water is, then you may have to, but usually they will get curious and start sratching around on their own. If they see her drinking from the waterer, they should drink too.

 

[suncatcher]

I wish this weather would make up its mind! It is snowing here while the sun is shining.... very strange!

 

[trsturself]

Found this on a UK site:

"Cream Legbar are an auto-sexing breed, meaning male and female chicks can be identified from day old by the difference in colour of the chick down. Males, which carry two copies of the sex-linked barring gene, have a larger white spot on their heads, are overall lighter and less sharply defined than the female chicks. Female chicks appear more as wild type ‘chipmunk’ colouring with a defined brown stripe down the centre and a small white spot on their head."

 

[saellis]

The chicks were eating and drinking well in the brooder yesterday so they know what food and water are. I moved the same feeder and waterer into the broody section of the coop so they would recognize it but they're keeping their heads right under Broody's wing so they probably can't see it.

 

[suncatcher]

The chicks were eating and drinking well in the brooder yesterday so they know

what food and water are.  I moved the same feeder and waterer into the broody section of the coop so they would recognize it but they're keeping their heads right under Broody's wing so they probably can't see it. 

Most of the time they will stay under her for warmth, and as it is cold today they won't venture out much until it gets warmer. You can take each one out and show it the food and dip its beak in the water. Sounds like she is staying put and keeping them warm, which is what she is supposed to be doing! I have only had chicks with a broody in the summer, so don't have much advice to give you in colder weather.

 

[Ashdoes]

Found this on a UK site:

"Cream Legbar are an auto-sexing breed, meaning male and female chicks can be identified from day old by the difference in colour of the chick down. Males, which carry two copies of the sex-linked barring gene, have a larger white spot on their heads, are overall lighter and less sharply defined than the female chicks. Female chicks appear more as wild type ‘chipmunk’ colouring with a defined brown stripe down the centre and a small white spot on their head."

That is very helpful. Yay! A girl for you. Still feel bad she's the only hatch.