Hatching with 2 broodies

[Teila]

Liz, that looks FANTASTIC! Well done!

How exciting for them to have somewhere new to explore and I love how it is not your boring old rectangular or square run (like mine!). A habitat trail is a great idea, so much adventure!
Bettina peering around the corner is just the cutest!!
Rousseau is definitely the glamour girl, post molt

Remember Boxing Day I mentioned I rehashed a fish tank stand into a shelter with tree branch perch? I spotted Dusty on the perch a couple of days ago, first time I have seen anyone use it. Very happy today because we have just had a tropical storm go through with torrential rain and Suzi and Tina were sheltering under my handiwork :-D
They are funny little things these chickens, takes them a while to warm to anything that is new!

 

[texgardengal]

My little penguin chick died. It was down to 14 last night and I saw she had them up on the roost. I was sure everything would be ok but when I checked on them this morning I couldnt find the little black one. He had fallen off the roost; behind the nesting boxes. There is plenty of room back there; lots of hay. Im not sure if he fell off and couldnt get back up or fell off after he was already gone. This is so sad...I'm not sure what I should have done differently; thought the momma hen would know what to do???

 

[lizgarf]

My little penguin chick died. It was down to 14 last night and I saw she had them up on the roost. I was sure everything would be ok but when I checked on them this morning I couldnt find the little black one. He had fallen off the roost; behind the nesting boxes. There is plenty of room back there; lots of hay. Im not sure if he fell off and couldnt get back up or fell off after he was already gone. This is so sad...I'm not sure what I should have done differently; thought the momma hen would know what to do???

Oh, I am so sorry TGG! I don't know what to say. We are all just learning here. Maybe you need to set them up some place warmer until the little one is a little bigger. I guess momma hens make mistakes like human ones do.

 

[texgardengal]

I dont know what I could have done differently....Miss Molly seemed to think they were OK or she wouldnt have had them up there....Everything I have read says they are OK as long as they are with their mom but I dont think she was expecting 14 degrees???One day it's 50 the next day it's 14...How can they get adjusted...Stupid Texas weather....I've read that I dont need to supply additional heat (I did have a heat lamp on though), the only thing I can think I would have done differently is to close the canvas door up a little better...hold in more heat)
Quote: Yes I guess momma hens do. I think it might have been her first go at being a mom too. OH...I feel like a terrible chicken mom!!!!
I might bring it in tonight....Now I'm really scared I'm going to lose the last one I have

I know I shouldnt be going on...I've got to get used to losing chickens...it's part of the deal..right??? They just become like pets..one of the family.
Liz, I love your run.. so nice. It looks like your family is having fun in it too...except Bettina. I cant help it, I just love her...she has the cutest expressions.

 

[Pooman]

I'm sorry TGG, thats so sad. Poor little bugger. Hopefully mum learns for next time, but I wonder if they even notice. Crazy chooks

 

[texgardengal]

I'm afraid I'm not very fond of miss Molly right now

 

[Teila]

Oh No TGG! Such sad news!

Hey, don't blame yourself or Miss Molly; who knows, the little one may just have been weak and if this had not happened maybe something else.
I know nothing can make you feel better right now and these occasions hurt big time but are so very much outweighed by the bucket loads of joy
You are not a terrible chicken mom! Your current emotions are not those of a terrible chicken mom!
Hang in there!

 

[MistyMountain]

Helllloooo

Super lurker here…. I am fascinated by broodies and can not wait for one of mine to decide to hatch some eggs. Oh wait… maybe they need to be actually LAYING eggs to want to hatch them. Anyhow, love following you all and maybe this summer I can chime in with my own stories!

 

[lizgarf]

I might bring it in tonight....Now I'm really scared I'm going to lose the last one I have

I know I shouldnt be going on...I've got to get used to losing chickens...it's part of the deal..right??? They just become like pets..one of the family.
Liz, I love your run.. so nice. It looks like your family is having fun in it too...except Bettina. I cant help it, I just love her...she has the cutest expressions.

It's so hard to know what to do. If it's supposed to be really cold again, you could put Molly and baby together in something like a cat carrier and bring them both in, or in a warm spot in the coop. There's a chance she could revolt against that, but if you get her from the roost at night, she might not mind the move. I was spoiled that when Frida went back to the roost, Rousseau stayed in the nest with the babies.

Thanks for appreciating Bettina. She is quite lovable - it takes a lot to get to be my favorite of this bunch.

P.S. Welcome Misty Mountain! I hope you get some eggs soon! Broodies are crazy - be careful what you wish for!

 

[Teila]

G'Day and Welcome MistyMountain

Nice to meet a 'no_longer_lurking'
Yep, what Liz said!
And, the fun bit, after they have done with being broody you get to go through the whole 'waiting for eggs' thing again.
Footnote: worth every second!