Silly me, I thought that my big Civil War event was the weekend after this, sigh. But with hatching due Saturday, I suspect my broodies (the clutch is divided between the two of them) will be fine until I get back on Sunday evening. I just worry if anybody pips early. But I've got a 48-hour grace period.
My big worry is that one of the hens is using a nest box that is not only elevated, but is based off a restaurant tray, those plastic jobs that are about five inches deep. Contains chicks well, but if someone needs food and water before I get back (I'm leaving Thursday night), I don't think they can get out. The rest of the brood is fine, because they're in the ground-level box with food and water. I'm really reluctant to move this hen, as she's a first-timer, and I don't know how she would react. I don't want her abandoning her clutch at this late date. I guess I'll just cross my fingers and hope there are no early hatchers.
My big worry is that one of the hens is using a nest box that is not only elevated, but is based off a restaurant tray, those plastic jobs that are about five inches deep. Contains chicks well, but if someone needs food and water before I get back (I'm leaving Thursday night), I don't think they can get out. The rest of the brood is fine, because they're in the ground-level box with food and water. I'm really reluctant to move this hen, as she's a first-timer, and I don't know how she would react. I don't want her abandoning her clutch at this late date. I guess I'll just cross my fingers and hope there are no early hatchers.
