I have two adult hens and wanted to expand my flock, so I let one girl go broody and hatch out 4 eggs. I ended up with 3 roosters and a runt. The runt was an assisted hatch. As everyone grew and he did not, the entire flock took turns caring for him. When Mom stopped mothering at 10 weeks my top hen took over. I even caught the roosters keeping him warm during the day. Sadly, he passed today very quickly and without warning. He was fine yesterday. I think his little heart just could not keep up. He was not developing correctly in addition to being small. I was able to be present and he just went to sleep in my lap permanently. Now that I am done crying, I am concerned about the rest fo the gang. My top hen who "adopted" him kept calling for him the rest of the day and started to bully my other hen. Everyone is a bit out of sorts.
Any suggestions for how to help everyone adjust? Is this normal behavior?
This was my sweet Lazarus. Had a good although short life.
Any suggestions for how to help everyone adjust? Is this normal behavior?
This was my sweet Lazarus. Had a good although short life.
