Magpies. Give me the scoop

[Goat_Walker]

Well i have a female magpie that I ordered with Nettie from Ideal. She has recently been acting like my buff when she gets in a tissy. Feathers fluffed out , head down so that the neck looks like its conected to the back.


Im pretty sure she will be going broody in a day or so, since ive already caught her on the nest during the day.


Are magpies good moms? Good broodies?

Should I keep my broodies in the same pen once their clutches hatch, or keep them seperated since my buff is very protective?

 

[Goat_Walker]

So....no one has Magpies?

 

[Wifezilla]

I don't...sorry!

 

[goosedragon]

Quote:
If you have a "protective" duck I would keep the ducklings away from her and any drakes.

 

[Goat_Walker]

She has about ten eggs right now, ive been checking them everyday to take out the ones that are not fertilized. there is another hen laying with her, either my black swed or cayuga are sharing the nest with her. I can tell the difference because one of the black girls lays swirly eggs.

I have no problem placing them each in their own pen, Ive never had more than one broody at a time, so i wasnt sure if they would be like geese and group together as to better ensure the protection of the babies. The only time I have ever allowed a drake near ducklings was with my 8 y/o rescue. He is very protective of his buff girl , but the magpie is his favorite.

 

[streemers]

i have 2 magpies that i got from another wonderful byc member. she told me that my hen had set a clutch and had a wonderful hatch rate for her first time. after they hatched the hen was a little confused for a few days and a runner helped her figure it out. then on she was a great mama.
now i am waiting on her to start laying again so i can have little magpies running aroud