MJ's little flock

[MaryJanet]

I feel like there was a big announcement in here that you are trying to slip by.

Did you say you are going to get fertile eggs for Peggy to hatch?!

Yes, I think so. Although she's young, she's in the egalitarian pecking circle, all of whom are equal top birds. She takes a pecking from Janet and gives a pecking to Mary, who gives a pecking to Janet. That's how they've organised.

The timing of a hatch is good in terms of my deadlines.

Peggy is highly defensive of her nest.

So I'll give it a try and see what happens.

 

[MaryJanet]

Frankly one of my fears is that Peggy will be a child killer and that seems less likely if they're her own children, especially given her defensiveness.

 

[BY Bob]

Yes, I think so. Although she's young, she's in the egalitarian pecking circle, all of whom are equal top birds. She takes a pecking from Janet and gives a pecking to Mary, who gives a pecking to Janet. That's how they've organised.

The timing of a hatch is good in terms of my deadlines.

Peggy is highly defensive of her nest.

So I'll give it a try and see what happens.

That is just amazing. It is going to be such a wonderful experience for all of you. I am so very happy for you.

 

[BY Bob]

Frankly one of my fears is that Peggy will be a child killer and that seems less likely if they're her own children, especially given her defensiveness.

Well that is certainly looking the worst possible outcome. I never once considered that outcome. I guess I am too optimistic.

 

[MaryJanet]

Hopefully it turns out a happy experience I don't know much about that rooster's fertility. I don't know much about Peggy's capacity for motherhood. I have no experience of hatching. But if her instincts are as strong as they appear to be, hopefully things will turn out well.

 

[MaryJanet]

Well that is certainly looking the worst possible outcome. I never once considered that outcome. I guess I am too optimistic.

She can be violent. She's the most violent of the hens. Mary carries several head scars.

 

[MaryJanet]

Well that is certainly looking the worst possible outcome. I never once considered that outcome. I guess I am too optimistic.

I'm not being negative, but I am trying to be as realistic as possible.

 

[MaryJanet]

Of course Mary laid her egg in the full heat of the day, 37.2° (98.9°F). Now she's panting and honking in the back porch where she sits upon a huge chunk of cold watermelon I'd put out ten minutes previously for Ivy and Janet. At least the cool breeze from the AC reaches the back porch. If she sits quietly enough for long enough she will be ok.

Janet isn't even panting. Ivy is panting a little but not bothering to hold her wings out.

Peggy is trancing through the heat like it's nothing. It's actually much cooler in the little coop because I've had the misting going all day.

I'm not entirely sure how Mary managed to heat up so much. Maybe the act of laying was a bit much today?

I've put down an Esky block for her to sit on, but so far she prefers the watermelon.

 

[MaryJanet]

20 minutes later and she's on her feet and almost back to normal. I've added ice to the water to help her cool down even further.

Ivy has been providing first aid by reminding Mary how to eat watermelon.

 

[Ribh]

What sort of a mix will your neighbour provide? I am assuming they have barnyard mixes...?