Learned a Valuable Lesson This Week!

[Ellie]

I have a mama hen and chick. I feed the flock home made yogurt every morning (thanks, Miss Prissy). I mix it with warm brown rice during the fall and winter. I gave the mama and baby chick some.

Now, Lacy (mom) takes it out of the spoon and then gives it to the baby chick. I decide to feed the baby myself out of the spoon. Well, the next morning, the baby has a large crop...... see, Lacy, the mom knows to break the rice into little pieces to give to the baby chick. She DOES know better!!

Chicken mamas never cease to amaze me. Just thought I would share....

 

[Missouri chick]

what a great mama she is

 

[dacjohns]

They are amazing.

I noticed my momma hens breaking up pieces of food and dropping them on the ground for the chicks.

Maybe making some chick grit available wouldn't be a bad idea.

 

[Ellie]

Gosh, I hadn't thought of chick grit since they are outside grazing.....

Thanks very much, I will get some post haste. Can't have anything messing with my precious Rooster!!

 

[dacjohns]

I just assumed they were inside. If they are outside you shouldn't need to give them girt but I don't think it will hurt.

 

[Ellie]

Ah, yes, the picture would make one think they are inside... and they are most of the week. When I am off work, I let them free range.

I appreciate the advice very much,

Thanks,

 

[speckledhen]

Mama certainly does know best. I love a good broody! I'm just so happy you finally got your long-awaited Hawkeye grandson.

 

[Ellie]

Well, Cyn, there are just no words to express my gratitude. Here, just 9 months ago, I asked you for "emergency" eggs for my broody girl, Lacy. My rooster Roo Dude had just died (I so loved him).

You sent them and 4 out of 6 hatched..... all hens, LOL. Most would be happy, but I wanted a rooster.

We tried the second time and all 6 were scrambled by the post office and we got none... my dang post office plays basket ball with them

then on the third time, 6 were sent and only one hatched (again, not your doing) my adorable Rooster from Dutch, Hawkeye's son and your Holly.

It goes to show you what a terrific network, BYC is. A perfect stranger asks you for eggs, and you can send them. All I knew was that I wanted a rooster from your Hawkeye.

 

[mrsengeseth]

that photo is great.

 

[Ellie]

Thank you. The chick was just hours old. Sorry for Lacy's comb... she usually is much prettier, but having been broody and sitting on the eggs for 22 days, some in above 100 degree weather, she did great.