I love the first shot of Phyllis! I would think it counter-intuitive...but they cock their tail the same way as their head. I can sometimes predict which way they will go (when trying to corner them for something that can't wait until dark) by which way their tail turns...that is the way they are going next!!!!
My experience is Momma accepts them if the timing is right....i.e. not a week into sitting...but around the time hers would hatch or shortly thereafter. However, if hers hatch...it needs to be IMMEDIATELY. Some will accept added chicks later, some won't. I had a great hen that I 'ruined'. She hatched 5, and local TSC had chicks on sale (starting to get wing feathers, so had to go) Hers were 3+ weeks old, bought 23 chicks 2 wks old for 10 cents each (some were to go to my neighbor, but in a couple days). She accepted all 23 newbies! (The look she gave me was " Oh, S*#t!)
However, she has never gone broody since...and I've kept her...she is almost 5 years old, and she went broody her first year....so following 3 years, nothing...I broke her
She was such a good Momma, too.
She likes to add a bit of mysteriousness...it adds to her allure!
28 babies? Wouldn’t you think twice about having any more yourself?My experience is Momma accepts them if the timing is right....i.e. not a week into sitting...but around the time hers would hatch or shortly thereafter. However, if hers hatch...it needs to be IMMEDIATELY. Some will accept added chicks later, some won't. I had a great hen that I 'ruined'. She hatched 5, and local TSC had chicks on sale (starting to get wing feathers, so had to go) Hers were 3+ weeks old, bought 23 chicks 2 wks old for 10 cents each (some were to go to my neighbor, but in a couple days). She accepted all 23 newbies! (The look she gave me was " Oh, S*#t!)
I would!
Any problems with that marriage, can you imagine the child support $$$$?28 babies? Wouldn’t you think twice about having any more yourself?
I'm thinking if eggs don't hatch, tucking babies, swapping out eggs (a week late). Odds of her accepting goslings....if they're available...no more than 4.My experience is Momma accepts them if the timing is right....i.e. not a week into sitting...but around the time hers would hatch or shortly thereafter. However, if hers hatch...it needs to be IMMEDIATELY. Some will accept added chicks later, some won't. I had a great hen that I 'ruined'. She hatched 5, and local TSC had chicks on sale (starting to get wing feathers, so had to go) Hers were 3+ weeks old, bought 23 chicks 2 wks old for 10 cents each (some were to go to my neighbor, but in a couple days). She accepted all 23 newbies! (The look she gave me was " Oh, S*#t!)
I learned it all from you and @Shadrach but happy to help.
Odds are good she will. Real problem is if she hatches a lone chick and won't accept more....but I think if none hatch, odds are very good she will take babies...has she brooded before? Occasionally I've had a hen go broody, but wants nothing to do with the chicks when they hatch. Makes me think of my sister...she loves babies, but once they get to 2 yrs old, she's kinda done with them and wants another baby.
(she hates dealing with the 'terrrible twos')
Must be why singles are most common with humans! One at a time to see if your relationship (or pocketbook!)can handle it before parenting more!!Any problems with that marriage, can you imagine the child support $$$$?
old pics
