Is my almost hen broody? When will the eggs hatch?

[Farmgirl283420]

Even though it was chilly I took Amelia and Enola out just for maybe five or eight minutes. It was so amazing! We have a dog that lives outside and Amelia got too close and he barked from his kennel and she made a warning and ran a few feet away. Enola dropped onto her belly and stayed perfectly still then her and Amelia ran back to each other. Then it happened again this time Enola pushed herself into a patch of dry grass and just stayed there. Then her and Amelia ran back to each other. Wow! It was amazing! Here are some pictures.

Here she is hiding.

 

[fluffycrow]

Even though it was chilly I took Amelia and Enola out just for maybe five or eight minutes. It was so amazing! We have a dog that lives outside and Amelia got too close and he barked from his kennel and she made a warning and ran a few feet away. Enola dropped onto her belly and stayed perfectly still then her and Amelia ran back to each other. Then it happened again this time Enola pushed herself into a patch of dry grass and just stayed there. Then her and Amelia ran back to each other. Wow! It was amazing! Here are some pictures.View attachment 3737019View attachment 3737021 View attachment 3737022Here she is hiding.View attachment 3737024

One of the most interesting behaviours to witness, for sure. It always amazes me how well they communicate; better than we ever can, or will. I know very little about genetics, but it seems to me like Enola's feather pattern and colour are very similar to her mom's, and I think I see a tiny crest beginning to form, so I will hesitantly say she might be biologically related to mom as well

 

[Farmgirl283420]

So I was wondering since Amelia has only one chick is her relationship with Enola different then it would be if she had more? Also will they have hang out together even when Enola gets older?

 

[fluffycrow]

So I was wondering since Amelia has only one chick is her relationship with Enola different then it would be if she had more? Also will they have hang out together even when Enola gets older?

Their bond is closer, yes. The smaller broods allow for more bonding, but that doesn't mean larger broods don't bond together. Whether they have a close bond when reaching adulthood is not something one can know beforehand. Usually, when a female is ready to start another clutch, she will try to make the competition and threats go away, and in this case her previous brood can also be seen as competition and/or a threat. Some hens allow their chicks closer to them than others. It can also be one thing with one clutch, and a different with another

 

[NatJ]

So I was wondering since Amelia has only one chick is her relationship with Enola different then it would be if she had more? Also will they have hang out together even when Enola gets older?

Maybe, but maybe not. It seems to depend on the hen, and the chick, and probably other factors as well.

 

[Yardmom]

She will likely still go through a weening stage where mom chases the chick away. In my larger flock the lone chicks will start spending time with other broods of similar age.

 

[Farmgirl283420]

She will likely still go through a weening stage where mom chases the chick away. In my larger flock the lone chicks will start spending time with other broods of similar age.

Oh poor Enola will probably be alone then. Took Enola and Amelia out again today they enjoyed a dust bath. It’s always so fun to watch them!

 

[Farmgirl283420]

Is Enola a girl or boy? So when I scoop the brooder in the morning she runs up to it and if I move it back and forth she like locks on to it and follows it with her head. She is very sweet but not timid at all and when I put shavings in she jumps at my hand. But then again is it different because she has a mom? She is five weeks in two days.

 

[Farmgirl283420]

Also I think she’s from my buff Orpington because this is my hope and daffy when they were about a month old. Enola looks a lot like my Daffy (right) who I lost a little bit ago.

 

[fluffycrow]

Is Enola a girl or boy? So when I scoop the brooder in the morning she runs up to it and if I move it back and forth she like locks on to it and follows it with her head. She is very sweet but not timid at all and when I put shavings in she jumps at my hand. But then again is it different because she has a mom? She is five weeks in two days.View attachment 3750239View attachment 3750240View attachment 3750241View attachment 3750242

How old? I wouldn't call Enola a cockerel just yet, although Enola's comb is reasonably coloured. Very pretty!