alexaschicks
In the Brooder
- Jun 19, 2021
- 6
- 16
- 21
Broody mama wouldn’t break so we got her a gift of 4 (apparently) fertilized eggs. We wanted to be all natural and let her do her thing so we never candled- she has been so devoted to sitting and keeping these eggs safe. We had to lift her off the nest daily as she wasn’t caring for herself- we let her sit day 18 on. Today is the end of day 22 and only one chick hatched (morning of day 21.) She is delighted and mothering the baby, but still diligent to sit on her last 3 eggs. My questions are:
1. Do I run out a grab her another baby so the chick doesn’t have to be alone? I can’t imagine when mama abandons the chick having a flock animal be solo until it can join the flock. Seems cruel.
2. Her health is deteriorating in almost 100 degree weather daily- when do I take the eggs from her and tell her to get on with living and foraging with her baby? I’m concerned for her health but I read on here people sometimes give 2-3 days after day 21.
I feel like time is precious now- not just for her health, but also if I am to sneak another baby under her. Any advice welcomed!
Thank you!
1. Do I run out a grab her another baby so the chick doesn’t have to be alone? I can’t imagine when mama abandons the chick having a flock animal be solo until it can join the flock. Seems cruel.
2. Her health is deteriorating in almost 100 degree weather daily- when do I take the eggs from her and tell her to get on with living and foraging with her baby? I’m concerned for her health but I read on here people sometimes give 2-3 days after day 21.
I feel like time is precious now- not just for her health, but also if I am to sneak another baby under her. Any advice welcomed!
Thank you!