I've had a little hen that has been determined to be a mother. She has sat for 44 days (two seperate sets of eggs) with no live chicks for her. Finally in despiration I went out and found her some babies to love as her own. I found 6 5 day old chicks and slid them under her last night while it was dark. This morning when I checked on her, I thought I noticed a big smile on her face, clucking to her new babies. I have them (hen & chicks) separated in a nice safe snuggly cage with plenty of room and food/water. The babies are every so happy and so is she. I will let the little family bond for a new more days before opening up the cage & let them out. By that time, she and they will have really bonded and should proceed to having a great life. The other hens have walked by and looked carefully before walking away shaking their heads & talking amung themselves about the sudden appearance of 6 babies. Personally I like to think they are envious of such beautiful healthy baby girls. Jan
