Momma Broody has been sitting on at least two viable eggs for about 3 weeks now. (The rest of the eggs in her clutch were laid by beginner hens who had not even laying eggs for a full month, the eggs are small, and I don't figure they're likely to make it.)
Last night, about 7:30, we heard Momma Broody cooing and a single chick chirping. We never actually saw the chick, because Momma keeps everything hidden well under her wings.
But we listened to the symphony of Momma cooing and baby chirping all thorugh the night and into the morning.
Then about 8 am this morning (over 2 hours ago), all that stopped.
Momma is awake and alert, but she's not cooing any more.
And the lone baby that we heard is not chirping anymore.
Have we lost that chick?
Last night, about 7:30, we heard Momma Broody cooing and a single chick chirping. We never actually saw the chick, because Momma keeps everything hidden well under her wings.
But we listened to the symphony of Momma cooing and baby chirping all thorugh the night and into the morning.
Then about 8 am this morning (over 2 hours ago), all that stopped.
Momma is awake and alert, but she's not cooing any more.
And the lone baby that we heard is not chirping anymore.
Have we lost that chick?