Sorry to derail the thread, but a momentous occasion just happened! Momma took the baby outside! This baby is 2 weeks old! I almost messed myself when I kept hearing the peep peep peep! Baby followed momma right back up the ramp like a champ.
Follow along with the video below to see how to install our site as a web app on your home screen.
Note: This feature may not be available in some browsers.
How stressful! Is there a way to put some screening or netting or something around Ms. Badness's nest to keep the chicks in? I would be a bit worried about moving her mid-hatch. She might decide that is her signal to head off with her hatchlings as well, as she might be uncertain if these things in the new, non-preferred location are really "her" eggs. And once they leave the nest, they quite often will refuse to accept any additional chicks.Sorry, I am so late checking in, but this has been my morning (DH is off today and giving me a short break): This morning we got up to the good hen with 2 Blue Marans, and she was in full on teaching mode, leaving her clutch of 6 other eggs, 3 had pipped and were peeping, the other 3 we candled and saw nothing but blackness. Placed all 6 under Miss Badness for a total of 12 in her clutch now. At least 3 of her clutch have hatched I think and they appear to be FBCM. Am trying to take some pictures that I hope to be able to post tonight. Miss Badness will have to be moved to the broody cage DH made for her tonight for the safety of the chicks. The nest she wanted to brood in is too high and I am afraid the chicks could fall and hurt themselves. So we are taking turns watching until dark.
Who ever said Miss Badness would make a great mother was correct, she is trying to keep the chicks that have hatched from leaving the nest until the others hatch. Must be getting rather crowded under there poor thing.
My hen who left her clutch for the 2 that hatched has taught them to eat, drink and has taken them into their private run for scratching lessons.
We are worn out already. LOLWill have to catch up on the threads I have been following when I have a chance to read all day.
![]()
Again, thanks to all who have been so helpful and patient with my anxiety ridden self![]()
Two day grace period!What if you are technically challenged like me? I can't for the life of me figure out how to post pictures here... I've wanted to request help determining the gender of my barred rocks for a week now.
8 hatched so far. What an excellent broody Ms. Badness is.took a moment for a quick bite to eat as I have had nothing but coffee and iced tea today. Waiting for full on dark, should be soon. I have at least 8 chicks hatched I believe, maybe more will see when we move them. I will have to live with anyone who doesn't hatch over night. Just can't risk where they are now. Have had to help mom keep chicks in nest, keep other adult hens out of her nest and keep chicks from pecking her in the eye, as well as give occasional sips of water she is so worn out, poor thing. I am now her BFF. will give a full count of how many chicks, etc. after the move.
Kids hurt their parents! It's what they do!8 hatched so far. What an excellent broody Ms. Badness is.
It does sound like you have to risk a move and are doing right by your hen. My fingers are crossed for you!
BTW: I have had several newly hatched chicks try to peck at poor Mom's eyes. All of mine have cut it out after a day or two, with no harm to Mom. I think they are attracted to the shininess of the eye. It does seem like a poor reward for all of Mom's work.