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Nanny Hen Helps With Chicks, Goes Under Wing at Night

Discussion in 'Chicken Behaviors and Egglaying' started by racuda, Mar 16, 2009.

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  1. Mar 16, 2009 #1
    racuda

    racuda Chillin' With My Peeps

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    Momma hen hatched 3 chicks 3 weeks ago. After a week she started taking them out into the world to peck and scratch. It was at this time that another smaller bantam hen started "helping" with the chicks. If there was a straggler, she would round it up.

    Then I noticed that this nanny hen would get under momma's wing during the day, and at night, she would roost on the floor, under wing along with the chicks. Is this odd?

    The nanny and momma are about the same age. Here is a pic:

    [​IMG]
     
  3. Mar 16, 2009 #2
    scooter147

    scooter147 Chillin' With My Peeps

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    Normal, not sure. But I have had happen as well.

    Is the nanny broody?

    I have two hens sitting now and the chicks will hatch at the same time. Well the hens will probably need to be seperated and one hen given all the chicks to care for. My experience is two broody will fight viciously over chicks.
     
  5. Mar 16, 2009 #3
    racuda

    racuda Chillin' With My Peeps

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    Quote:No. She hasn't started laying yet, although she is 7 or 8 months old.
     
  7. Mar 16, 2009 #4
    Chicken Fruit

    Chicken Fruit Chillin' With My Peeps

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    awww! thats so sweet!
     
  9. Mar 16, 2009 #5
    Shared Acres

    Shared Acres Chillin' With My Peeps

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    Awwww!
     
  11. Mar 16, 2009 #6
    jbowyer01

    jbowyer01 Just Me!

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    She just needed some extra love...sweet pic.
     
  13. Mar 16, 2009 #7
    Picky Chicky

    Picky Chicky Chillin' With My Peeps

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    It sure is precious! I love chickens and their quirkiness!
     
  15. Mar 16, 2009 #8
    Hens_And_Chicks

    Hens_And_Chicks Chillin' With My Peeps

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    What a wonderful second "mum"! We all need someone to watch out for us - what a sweet picture. [​IMG]
     
  17. Mar 16, 2009 #9
    KayP

    KayP Chillin' With My Peeps

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    I don't understand this, but it seems SOOOO sweet and special. Something about Sisterhood. Thanks for sharing and for the pic!
     
  19. Mar 16, 2009 #10
    b.hromada

    b.hromada Flock Mistress

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    I agree, that picture if priceless, how sweet is that? [​IMG] [​IMG] [​IMG]
     
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