Natural breeding thread

[Perris]

I can’t wrap my mind around what could have happened. Cruella’s face was in that pool. I can’t imagine why, or how, but is it possible she could have suffocated?

My guess would be she died of natural causes and broke the eggs in her death throes. I'm so sorry. She was clearly a very special hen. I hope you can take some comfort in knowing her genes live on in your flock.

 

[fluffycrow]

My guess would be she died of natural causes and broke the eggs in her death throes. I'm so sorry. She was clearly a very special hen. I hope you can take some comfort in knowing her genes live on in your flock.

Thank you. This is just terrible. One of the eggs broken that contained an embryo was definitely from her.

The only comforting thing right now is thinking that she died doing what she loved most. Every time she goes broody, it’s like she finds her spark. She had not even thought of going broody since Lady Gaga (who I’m sure loved her even more than I) got taken in September, and I was so happy for her. Now not only is she gone, but so are her efforts and backups for Galadriel’s daughter. I’m not sure if the other bantam hens will continue brooding after witnessing something so horrific, I sure wouldn’t blame them if they choose not to.

Apologies for rambling, I just didn’t think id have to consider anything about Cruella’s passing for at least three more years. I should know by now how naive that is. Thanks again

 

[TOMTE]

Thank you. This is just terrible. One of the eggs broken that contained an embryo was definitely from her.

The only comforting thing right now is thinking that she died doing what she loved most. Every time she goes broody, it’s like she finds her spark. She had not even thought of going broody since Lady Gaga (who I’m sure loved her even more than I) got taken in September, and I was so happy for her. Now not only is she gone, but so are her efforts and backups for Galadriel’s daughter. I’m not sure if the other bantam hens will continue brooding after witnessing something so horrific, I sure wouldn’t blame them if they choose not to.

Apologies for rambling, I just didn’t think id have to consider anything about Cruella’s passing for at least three more years. I should know by now how naive that is. Thanks again

I wouldn't call it naive, I would call it human. None of us wants to imagine our pets passing sooner rather than later. And when it comes to chickens, they so often just drop without warning. I'm so sorry about your baby, and all those eggs. Keep her in your heart where she belongs

 

[fluffycrow]

I wouldn't call it naive, I would call it human. None of us wants to imagine our pets passing sooner rather than later. And when it comes to chickens, they so often just drop without warning. I'm so sorry about your baby, and all those eggs. Keep her in your heart where she belongs

Thank you. You’re right.

She was a very special girl, but oh how she’d hate it if I called her my baby . She was no touchy feely bird, but we had a partnership, especially when she was raising a brood. I’ll remember those moments with her. A short life, but a life well lived, I hope

 

[BDutch]

Words can’t describe how this is.

(Without words)

 

[fluffycrow]

(Without words)

Thank you BDutch , and sorry for sort of derailing the thread. So far you have been a very lenient thread host.

Cruella was buried this afternoon in a spot overlooking the forest below the property. Her daughters decided to continue brooding, so far at least. I’ll go the illogical route and call this a thank you to their mother. Ursula went back to tree roosting, though I wouldn’t be surprised if she returns to sit soon enough

 

[NanaK]

Words can’t describe how this is. She was my favourite hen, ever.

It is always difficult when we loose a favorite unexpectedly. It is especially hard when we do not have answers for why. I think many of us have been there. It is always a shock.

I am so very sorry for your loss of Cruella and the eggs.

 

[fluffycrow]

It is always difficult when we loose a favorite unexpectedly. It is especially hard when we do not have answers for why. I think many of us have been there. It is always a shock.

I am so very sorry for your loss of Cruella and the eggs.

Thank you

 

[fluffycrow]

Week one down .
She’s doing great. Each time a female broods here, I am reminded of the magic of nature. Like clockwork, 11:50 on the mornings she decides to leave the nest, she comes out, eats, dust bathes, preens, stretches, and drinks, which I have never seen her doing, but I trust she does.

Here are a series of photos that show part of her routine, skipping drinking (for obvious reasons), and dust bathing (which I haven’t managed to get a good photo of):

Enjoying some canned meat.

Taking a break from preening to question my reason for pointing the phone camera at her

.

The last stretch and shake before returning to the nest.

I am extremely worried it won’t go well. Shocking? To those who have read more than one post of mine, I think not. Mainly worried about the fertility. For reasons not discussed here, Big Red joined the free range group. While he is very much accepted as the head rooster now, and everything is pretty much back to normal, at the time of setting the eggs, the hens were not totally keen on him. The lack of bullseye in some of the eggs was the main pointer. Not much can be done about that, though.
In other news, all the bantams broke completely. So this first time broody is on her own, but handling it like a champ

 

[fluffycrow]

Week two down .
Much of the same. A few girls have started adding to her nest, but that’s being dealt with while she’s out dust bathing and preening. I have still not seen her drink, but she’s past 14 days now, so she obviously does. Temps are not too bad this year, so the birds are doing pretty great.

The biggest problem right now is figuring out a way to close off her nest during “lockdown”. It’s common here for eggs to hatch on the 19th-20th day, which should be Friday. We’ll have it figured out by then.

Hope all of you and your birds are doing great