Well it seems my little EE has decided to go broody and she hasn't been laying that long. (Started about mid January). I only have 2 bantam girls, but would like a couple more. I planned on slipping eggs under the first to go broody, but I think she is just too young and maybe just practicing. (BTW I really planned on having more than 2 girls- ordered 10 chicks. The 5 BR were all kind of sickly from the get-go. They had trouble standing/walking and I watched 4 of them die one by one as I did my best to keep their butts clean. The EEs flourished, but only 1 was a girl. I swear its not my fault.) What should I do about giving my girls more company? Could I try to get some local day olds in a week or 2 and graft them? Here are my issues: I really want to stick to bantams but its not so easy to just pick up at a feed store. I don't trust her to hatch out fertile eggs because she is so young. What would you do?
If you wanted to give the young broody a chance and she didn't stay broody long enough for a hatch, then the only thing you would be out is the number of eggs you provide her. If she stays broody, and you have a hatch, it will be worth the effort. I agree that chickens are a flock bird, and love to have alot of company, even if they don't act like it sometimes. bigzio
Well, she was just practicing and she is off now. The good news is I found a local feed store that will be getting bantams. If one of the girls is broody when the bantams come in, I might try to graft a few. Either way I will be ready to brood a few babies inside until they are big enough to introduce.
