Esther and Winnie~ Emerald ~ Momma Time~ UH-OH Egg Overload P46

[silkiechicken]

You know, I bet she is getting off once a day when you aren't looking. She will lose weight so you don't need to worry so much about her. At least yours are cooped and not spiteful... my darn broody clucks up a storm, runs up the the house, eats the cat food, flips the water dish, leaves the hugest broody poo right in front of the door, takes a quick bath, and goes back onto her nest just waiting for the sound of humans disgusted at what they just stepped on.

 

[rosyposyosy]

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broody poo is the worst!!!!!!

 

[barg]

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I guess were still dabateing wether or not to give her an egg, and I really havn't been in a position to do much about it since I've been sick for the last week, but we will probably get her one as soon as I can get out of the house.

Thanks for your suggestions and information, I'm sure she must be getting out once a day and that I'm missing it but I may try to rig something up in there anyway when I'm feeling better .... and have the time.

We did'nt get any eggs for the last two days, from the two that are still laying.
I hope Winnie and Esther kick in soon to make up for the slow down were getting.

 

[3peeps]

So what's up lately? Has the "feather pancake" continued?

 

[barg]

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Emerald has continued to be broody and I'm making arangements with another BYC member to get a couple eggs for her.

I have seen emerald come out of the box to eat etc.. so that doesn't seem to be a problem.
I do need to figure out the best way to move her and the box;

I'm thinking of just dropping it down and switching it with the lower box but, will this confuse her and make her stop sitting?
What other suggestions do you have for moving her?

My other two layers have completely stopped laying, they havn't laid an egg for almost a week.

I'm going to need to get Emerald moved at some point but, should I do it now, or wait till she hatches an egg?

Added: Esther and Winnie's combs still havn't changed.

 

[Jemjoop]

Wow informative thread. Its taken me two nights to read the whole 45 pages. I have a new flock so unfortunately not much help to you with answers. Just got the first little egg two days ago and another one today (miracles!). I think I know who is laying them but I'm going out first thing tomorrow to make sure. And check vents--so intrusive! lol

Didn't know about combs changing color and vents developing before egg laying but will be watching for that in the others. Also didn't know about squatting and turning into pancakes. Mine did that today and I thought she was just being lazy and vegging out.

I wanted more birds in the Spring but not so sure now after reading about all the fighting and injuries. Will have to think more and I may need a bigger pen if there needs to be an escape for the newbies. And I'll get a Supersoaker

There are free picture hosting sites like www.webshots.com or www.photobucket.com so your photos will always stay photos in your posts but I'm sure you already know about them.

btw your pictures are really good. Glad you got a new camera.

Thanks for making this thread, I learned a lot.

 

[rosyposyosy]

Just a thought, when chicks are around, wont that make Esther and Winnie higher in the pecking order?

 

[rosyposyosy]

Barg! It's been 3 days since someone's posted on this thread!

I just had to look here! How's the broody?

 

[barg]

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Added: Thanks Jemjoop , I'm glad this thread was helpful

Thanks for the bump rosey

We are getting her some eggs tomarow.
I have been wanting to rig up something in the coop that she can eat from but with the days so short, I never have anytime for anything.
Hopefully I can get something done during the holiday stuff coming up.
Colleen has hand fed her, sometimes she is willing and sometimes she isnt, and I know she comes out of the box, I just don't know how often.

I have a couple ideas for setting up a feeder next to the box, but have had no time to do it.

I imagine we have about 21 days until she is done and has chicks; at that point, the current plan is to move her and the chicks into the garage with a heat lamp until the chicks can go outside with her.

Question of the day is:
Once the eggs hatch, does she calm down a little or will she be just as aggressive and standoffish.
Basicly, I'm wondering if mother chickens are ok with people handling the chicks.

 

[silkiechicken]

You really don't need to set up a feeder closer to her home. She'll come out to eat and poo once a day. After the chicks hatch, since there will be only one or two, you can leave her with the rest and they will be fine. Momma hen will squat down when chick screams that it's cold. Out of all my chickens, the baby one is the loudest of all. It rivals the rooster since he at least only crows occasionally.

Momma hen will be even bossier and standoffish when she has her chick. You can handle the chick as much as you want and steal it from momma but they will both put up a fight for it, especially when that chick learns it's legs. At least mine protests. LOL. I practice tough love with them though so the baby chick I have now has been ranging with the adults since day two when momma hen came out of the box. She'll calm down about the time she kicks the chick out and doesn't let it cuddle with her any more. (about two months)