Sharol, I let mine hatch with others around all the time. I've never had an issue with other birds messing with the babies - the moms are pretty protective. Even the ones that are normally docile. The other night, my Muscovy drakes got all excited and started fighting. If you've never seen muscovies, the drakes are HUGE - probably in the neighborhood of 15-20lb each. Meanwhile, I have 3 bantam hens raising a chick each - a Sultan and two silchins that each weigh 3-4lb. Those mamas were furious with the drakes and started attacking them, screeching and jumping at them with their claws extended. I will say the drakes paid them no heed, but it goes to show what an angry mama hen is capable of - none of these hens would normally consider challenging one of the drakes.
My preference is to segregate the broody hen so that the other hens don't add their eggs to her nest. But - I try to do it in the coop if possible so that she isn't alone. I have a couple of little coop/runs that I can just place over the hen where she is sitting, then put a chick feeder and waterer at the other end. That usually works pretty well.
My Independence Day was just another day - did chores, hung out and enjoyed it. We had a nice meal, then DH and DS set off some "pretties" in the driveway while I sat in a lawn chair and watched them having fun.
While feeding I looked up and saw two turkey poults on the wrong side of my chicken yard fence. Only thing is, they weren't MY poults - they were wild turkey poults! I guess they were drawn in by the sound of my turkeys. They hung there, just feet away from me while I fed and watered and then wandered away. Way cool.
All sheep accounted for this morning. Its a good morning.
everyday when i let out our chickens i give them treats..and spend alot of time talking to them....rooster just laughs at me..but he does it to....shhhh don't tell him i said that....lol i hope that helps knowing that..
