Hens competing for nest

[vicalaska]

Your hens are gorgeous by the way!

Hi birdlover2
Thanks for the compliment on my hens. I was a bit surprised as the little on is squashed up against the bars, and the coop looks none to clean... There is an area-wide shortage of straw/hay/bedding with the Covid deal... I am in Alaska so most of those get barged in at this time of year.
The big black hen is an absolute sweetie, almost like a pet.

Thanks!

 

[birdlover2]

Thanks again for your advice.
I waited till Mama #2 got off to feed, crawled into the dog crate ( which I have in there for when I need to isolate a hen for whatever reason ) took the unmarked eggs out and pushed the marked original eggs under the original mama, closing the crate behind me with water and food in there.
I made a little nest with the newer eggs ( only three ) and waited for Mama #2 to accept them. It took a while, perhaps an hour or two, but she pulled them to her in a nesting spot of her own choosing.
Success all round, so once again, many thanks for your chicken wisdom.
No dead chicks for me I sincerely hope.

I have only used this forum a few times, when I have a problem, and it always proves invaluable.

Cheers to all!

Glad your dilemma has been solved! Looking forward to healthy happy chicks If at all possible, let us know how they turn out.

 

[birdlover2]

Hi birdlover2
Thanks for the compliment on my hens. I was a bit surprised as the little on is squashed up against the bars, and the coop looks none to clean... There is an area-wide shortage of straw/hay/bedding with the Covid deal... I am in Alaska so most of those get barged in at this time of year.
The big black hen is an absolute sweetie, almost like a pet.

Thanks!

Lol, yeah, I know the one is squashed against the bars. They still are beutiful birds, no matter what thei current state of cleanliness/comfort, I think I have a soft spot for chickens with black plumage, lol, they always look so beautiful and mysterious!

Awwww! Glad your hen is so sweet as well as beautiful, here's hoping her chicks have similair temperment!

 

[AllenK RGV]

Oh, I see you are in Ohio. Meyers Hatchery is in Polk, OH. Since you enjoy the looks of black fowl you might consider looking over their Sumatra line. The males get huge lusterous tails and I did enjoy their Sumatra as my starter flock. The are pretty accomplished flyers and highly alert chicken mine have harmed more hawks than have harmed them. In good years of constant rains I don't have much in the way of a feed bill either as they are excellent foragers. The only possible negative is that after their first year they tend toward broodiness.