CoopBoots
Crowing
- Aug 31, 2022
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This is my first time having a broody hen in my flock, and it was completely fascinating watching her navigate the entire process of parenthood. I say this with a touch of emotion, as she left her babies to return to the main coop tonight. While I trust her that they are ready, it's just amazing how quickly everything went by. I'm in awe. So I wanted to share her behaviors and their timeline, then maybe hear from you all how similarly or differently your broody girls behaved?
- Broody for first time at around 7 months of age -- December 2022
- Failed hatch, broke and returned to flock lower in the pecking order from top or second in command spot
- Broody again (defined as spending a complete night on fake eggs) -- March 9th 2023
- Gave her real eggs to incubate -- March 11th
- Successful hatch -- March 31st
- Remained aggressive/fluffed in demeanor to all flockmates throughout this period, no observed "discipline" of chicks, just aggressive defense and food/shelter/bathing education. She notably resumed a second in command position and chose violence with every hen ASIDE from number one, regardless of whether she was challenged by them or not
- Resumed mating behaviors willingly and ceased defensive behavior -- April 29th
- Resumed laying -- April 30th, the very next day!
- Resumed roosting in adult coop without her brood and continues her second in command position -- May 3rd
I think the thing that surprised me the most was her quick transition from angry, avoidant fluffball to willingly seducing my rooster the next day, LOL. I mean it was so sudden. She must have known she was about to resume laying. It was like clockwork.
I wonder if this well oiled reproduction machine plans to have another go this season. Part of me really hopes not, as two separate broody periods plus one grueling 4.5 week parenting extravaganza seems like a lot already. She isn't even a year old!! But obviously nature and her traits will dictate that regardless of whether it seems healthful to me.
Either way, I'm so curious to hear about your broodies. Do they parent for a full four weeks? Is that long/short? Do they often successfully hatch more than one clutch a year? Do you find that once they've experienced parenthood they take a break for an extended period? Really anything you've observed, I'd love to hear if you have time to share.
More photo tax:
Exploring:
Dustbathing:
Lookout duty while providing warming services:
Her telling Rusty she'd missed him soooo much Yes, he got lucky...
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