Broodies are a headache too. Sometimes the chicks wander off and get stuck, and they need separate quarters for brooding unless I want to go to a lot of effort keeping the hens where they are supposed to be. Then I have to make sure waterers are safe, put up ramps so they don't get stuck outside, and feed the pricey chick feed to everyone until they grow up.
Were they able to get the solar panel installed?
We're getting plenty of rain. They started to drop the lake Monday, and so far have only managed 36/100 of an inch decrease. They wanted to drop it quick and more than normal as they have plans to work on the Marina's boat ramp.
I don't think it could be anything you are doing.
What about NYD Hatch-a-long?
I did a combination of that this year because I have the lady that hatches nearby. So I would let a Broody have a couple of eggs and then I give her a few more chicks at what I did want. No brooders that way and no flock integration issues. Unfortunately this time she lost one of five chicks I think she lost it out free-ranging. There is a new feral cat that has been showing up and I haven't got trapped yet. My bets on that since this is the first chicken of any age I have lost to a predator or getting lost.
I force mine to run with the flock from the beginning they either get up and down or they don't make it. I do put out a little feeder with chick feed, but I also put out regular crumbles which the hens like better than the pellets while I have chicks.
Grass has sprouted from the last 1/2 we received. Things are looking green again.
I am glad you are getting to enjoy some green. We have been lucky until the hard Frost a week and a half ago, we were really green now the brown has come. And lots more leaves are falling. Last year the leaves fell off early, and this year many are late.
That is great news!
Even with the little freezes we get it will stay green until heat kicks in again. June usually
