Mama hen left chicks in the rain

[Spartan22]

6 of my hens went broody simultaneously, for the first time. Ive noticed that the 3 yr old hen that went broody for the first time is much more protective and nurturing than the one year olds broodies (abandoned their chicks @3 wks old). She actually have taken the orphans under her and taking care of them, which is very surprising.

 

[Kb0507]

6 of my hens went broody simultaneously, for the first time. Ive noticed that the 3 yr old hen that went broody for the first time is much more protective and nurturing than the one year olds broodies (abandoned their chicks @3 wks old). She actually have taken the orphans under her and taking care of them, which is very surprising.

OH wow. That is surprising. I wish we would have had the same luck. Both of our hens were over 2 yrs old. They've been broody before, but have never been mamas. Im glad to hear you have such a good mama for all those babies....

 

[chickengeorgeto]

Hi,
I had an australorp hatch out 2 babies 4 weeks ago. She has been a great mother. All of the sudden she seemed to lose interest in them yesterday. She also laid an egg yesterday....

It is called weaning. In other words the hen is fed up with her chicks and if the little buggers push the issue too far she may make their day miserable.

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wean

 

[Kb0507]

It is called weaning. In other words the hen is fed up with her chicks and if the little buggers push the issue too far she may make their day miserable.

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wean

Yes, thank you. I understood that she was weaning them. I guess I just didn't expect it so soon or to happen over night. I was just worried about what to do with the chicks, since they were still so small and not feathered. I appreciate the information