Midge's story : A feral hen's ability to adapt

[swampfox440]

You see there! That's proof, chickens are better at multiplication than I am. Good luck with Midge and her new fuzzy family.

 

[Hayden Goseek]

You see there! That's proof, chickens are better at multiplication than I am. Good luck with Midge and her new fuzzy family.

It's even more a miracle because we regularly trap possums in that area. Less likely but in the neighborhood are feral cats, dogs, racooons, coyotes, even alligators. (DH)

 

[Callender Girl]

I LOVE starting the day with a heartwarming story! Congrats to Midge, you and all those babies!

 

[Hayden Goseek]

Wow!! What an incredible story! So excited to see the chicks, send pictures!

"Who doesn't like to see young chicks basking in the sun?"
(Sorry. Couldn't resist.)

 

[Hayden Goseek]

X2

Mom scratching and calling everyone over to feed. They now have a bare ground run.

 

[Ursuline Chick]

Hayden, went out this morning and did some work on the broody pen. As we had no idea we were brooding chicks and hadn't in a while, the pen wasn't ready. It still needs work. But to give you a rough idea: behind them is the pen where the adults sleep and lay eggs. All around them is the backyard where the adults play all day. The broody pen is pretty much the same, except it has a top that can be opened when needed. What you saw was their "coop", where they sleep, eat. There is a top that opens to make it easier to put food and water, grit, clean, etc. A door to the adult hen backyard area, when they are ready for Momma to take them out (with supervision). There is another door to a broody run area, so they can run in the grass with Momma teaching those valuable lessons. It is locked at night and has a top that opens, if needed. It seems to work pretty well and the chicks and Momma seem happy with it.
Occasionally an adult hen or T-Boy will stop and just look at them for a few minutes. They are getting to know each other. it's just fun to watch. Poor Midge spends the day trying to keep track of and teach 15 hyper chicks. They seem to listen to her pretty well.

 

[Ursuline Chick]

Midge will allow me to pick the chicks up, however I get a nice, little nip from her when I do. She is letting me know that she is aware that I have one in my hand and can do a LOT of damage if she dislikes what I am doing. She also gives me the "stink eye" when I pick one up. No looking at wings or anything like that is allowed yet.

 

[Ursuline Chick]

All 15 chicks are doing well. They are feathering out and are still hyper. On occasion. a chick will jump on Midge's back and try to stay on as she walks. (Hen surfing). Being hidden as newly hatched chicks, they where taught to drink from mud puddles, so now they stand in the water bowl and drink the water that has spilled out. I am still really enjoying their antics.

 

[artbykarenehaley]

"Who doesn't like to see young chicks basking in the sun?"
(Sorry. Couldn't resist.)View attachment 3056176

Oh look at that little dark one with a red face. I wonder if it will be laced as an adult

 

[Ursuline Chick]

The chicks are getting bigger every day, poor Midge can't seem to get them all under her anymore.