It's a broody something..

[iamatucker]

I bought this set of "hens" a short while ago from someone who was moving and couldn't take them with them. I sexed the two Gold Laced Wyandotte chicks...definitely girls! The two Barred Rocks I was told were hens. They are extremely broody. They nest on the chicks and watch over them constantly. At first I wasn't surprised that they weren't laying because the guy I got them from was still feeding them all starter feed and hadn't given them any oyster shell. I thought after giving them some time with proper nutrition, I'd add a roo. I got a very gentlemanly Silkie from a friend. The chicks are about 10 weeks old, so I was hoping the "hens" would move on and go get some lovin'. The "hens" started acting like roos and chasing the poor Silkie anytime he came near. I'm trying to figure out if they are just being that broody with the chicks or if they are cockerels in disguise. But if they are cockerels, why are they so broody? Should I have someone help me resex them? Their black and white is about in equal amounts, so I don't know if I can really use that as a judgment. They are full weight and have the comb amount of a full size hen.

 

[brahmabantam]

My guess would be that they are hens and that they want to keep the chicks away from the Roo. Most likely they are just protecting the chicks from the Rooster.

Just my thoughts


good luck

 

[SunkenRoadFarms]

They are likely hen. Chickens don't accept change very easily, so they are definitely putting the roo in his place. How long have the older hens been acting as moms?