MJ's little flock

[RoyalChick]

The little ones have had their first expedition around the funrun.

They were roaming about for a couple of hours and it mostly went well, except it seems they forgot their way back home. Luckily they followed me and now they're back in the kindergarten, wetting their whistles and chowing down.

They are getting close to my favorite stage - that awkward, bad hair-day stage.
Whatever was ailing that one seems better - at least I can’t tell that one is lethargic.

 

[MaryJanet]

I can’t tell that one is lethargic.

Nor can I.

At this time I'm unconcerned about its health.

 

[ManueB]

The little ones have had their first expedition around the funrun.

They were roaming about for a couple of hours and it mostly went well, except it seems they forgot their way back home. Luckily they followed me and now they're back in the kindergarten, wetting their whistles and chowing down.

Growing up so fast !

I remember that for quite some time it was the broody's job to decide when it was time to go back in. Often it was earlier than the chicks would have decided on their own and they completely relied on her to handle the way back and when and where to nest. So I can imagine that it would take some adjustments for chicks without a mum to get back before being tired and find their way back.

On the other side, once weaned I saw the six weeks chicks suddenly develop a worrying tendancy to party all night ! Maybe yours will just get it more progressively.

 

[MaryJanet]

Growing up so fast !

I remember that for quite some time it was the broody's job to decide when it was time to go back in. Often it was earlier than the chicks would have decided on their own and they completely relied on her to handle the way back and when and where to nest. So I can imagine that it would take some adjustments for chicks without a mum to get back before being tired and find their way back.

On the other side, once weaned I saw the six weeks chicks suddenly develop a worrying tendancy to party all night ! Maybe yours will just get it more progressively.

They can have another hour or two out the kindergarten tomorrow afternoon. I don't mind helping them find their way back.

I think I'm doing ok with the chicks. So far, so good. They're eating well, drinking well, growing well, playing every chance they get, and resting well (so far!)

I'm a poor replacement for a hen, of course, but the adoption just didn't work out like I hoped. All the same, I'm glad Mary had every possible chance.

 

[ManueB]

I'm a poor replacement for a hen, of course

Now I can't help but wonder what any of your colleagues or relatives who are not themselves into chicken keeping would think hearing that .

I'm sure they will understand after a while how to get home by themselves and that they will do fine ! I'm just interested to note in what ways the learning processes are similar and in what ways they differ with or without a broody.
And for Mary the most important thing to my eyes is that she is doing fine now and looking beautiful as ever.

 

[BDutch]

I'm just interested to note in what ways the learning processes are similar and in what ways they differ with or without a broody.

• 24/7 commitment vs 2-3 hours a day?
• Ability to communicate vs strange gestures?
• Showing how to search and eat vs supplying chick feed?
• Giving warmth when and wherever its needed vs setting up a heath plate?

 

[MaryJanet]

Now I can't help but wonder what any of your colleagues or relatives who are not themselves into chicken keeping would think hearing that .

That's hilarious!!

I'm sure they will understand after a while how to get home by themselves and that they will do fine ! I'm just interested to note in what ways the learning processes are similar and in what ways they differ with or without a broody.

It's very interesting. I never tire of observing the hens.

I've gradually come to appreciate the way context shapes practices and outcomes.

And for Mary the most important thing to my eyes is that she is doing fine now and looking beautiful as ever.

Coincidentally I took a video of the hens this evening while I was waiting for them to roost and Mary looks particularly well. She's thriving.

 

[MaryJanet]

• 24/7 commitment vs 2-3 hours a day?
• Ability to communicate vs strange gestures?
• Showing how to search and eat vs supplying chick feed?
• Giving warmth when and wherever its needed vs setting up a heath plate?

No doubt there's even more hens do for chicks.

 

[MaryJanet]

The perch is the new favourite resting spot.

 

[MaryJanet]

How is Bernie going @RoyalChick ? Is her toe healing ok? How's her crop going?