NY chicken lover!!!!

I just tucked the eggs in for lockdown. Based on last hatch I expect several on Day 20 (Monday). It seems to be the way these eggs prefer. The set up is adjusted slightly so I hope it still works out well.

The drama is not something I'm going to involve myself with. There are wonderful people out here trying to do what's best for a group or breed of birds. I am thankful for the connections I've made with those people. I will keep working on my groups using information from books and original SOP writings.

Chickengirl15, keep me posted on Girlie.
I will, she is awesome I love her. She has black austrolorp eggs right now. It's too funny watching her wiggle and shuffle the eggs around. She still has the 2 babies sleeping with her as well. I hope to have them in the coop by hatch day so they leave the new babies alone. We shall see, she is great though. I want an entire flock with her temperament.
 
At that age my chicks have sometimes looked awkward. Until 6 months old or so they seem to still have a lot of changes.
After taking a good look at my other pullets they all have similar wings (just not as noticeable haha). I do suppose it is just due to their age and so look forward to their mature plumage! Thank you all for these responses, they have calmed a rookie chick owner!
 
Something has been picking off my chickens. :( First the broody with 9 chicks started showin up with fewer chicks. Then she and 4 chicks went missing, leaving one chick behind (that was added into the brooder raised babies.) Then yesterday morning hubby found one of the spitz pullets partially pulled through the cage (we had a discussion on why they must be locked in their house, not just in the cage) and then feathers all over the yard. Sussex had 3 piles of feathers, no body. Another pile of feathers that may be from a mix breed hen. Then a few black/white feathers and both of the Anconas are missing. No bodies or body parts left behind from the hens, only feathers. The Anconas often roosted in the barn, so would be out ranging early morning. Sussex would squeeze out of the coop to start her early morning. And one other rafter hen. They all liked to be out and about before we get outside.
So what would pluck a chicken then carry off the body? Fox? I know the spitz would have been a separate predator the can reach through the cage, that was preventable and has been remedied.
 
Racoons will try pulling chickens through their cage. I know a guy that had a bunch of cornishX killed this way in a tractor. And another that had some show birds for their kids 4H, had them in separate cages in their garage. Coon snuck in through a open window, never had it happen before.
 
I will, she is awesome I love her. She has black austrolorp eggs right now. It's too funny watching her wiggle and shuffle the eggs around. She still has the 2 babies sleeping with her as well. I hope to have them in the coop by hatch day so they leave the new babies alone. We shall see, she is great though. I want an entire flock with her temperament.

Did any of the Mojo/Girlie chicks hatch? That would be cool to see if they grow up with their temperament.
 
Ugh Lapeerian, so sorry :(

I have a question about helping my littlest hen. She has been the lowest in the hierarchy always. With the 4 hens it hasn't been a problem, she just waits her turn. But now that my three pullets are catching up to her in size (they are almost 4 months old) I am worrying that she'll be the object of harassment. Today I was weeding near their pen and saw one of the pullets jump on her. It was over in seconds, and I think the pullet was as freaked out as the hen, but still... Do I just need to wait and see what happens?

Oops, another question. The boss lady sometimes goes into the coop with whoever is laying an egg, and basically blocks the exit and sings the egg song until the other hen is done. Then when the layer comes out, she sticks around in there to check things out. Typical? Or is she being a jerk?
 
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Ugh Lapeerian, so sorry :(

I have a question about helping my littlest hen. She has been the lowest in the hierarchy always. With the 4 hens it hasn't been a problem, she just waits her turn. But now that my three pullets are catching up to her in size (they are almost 4 months old) I am worrying that she'll be the object of harassment. Today I was weeding near their pen and saw one of the pullets jump on her. It was over in seconds, and I think the pullet was as freaked out as the hen, but still... Do I just need to wait and see what happens?

Oops, another question. The boss lady sometimes goes into the coop with whoever is laying an egg, and basically blocks the exit and sings the egg song until the other hen is done. Then when the layer comes out, she sticks around in there to check things out. Typical? Or is she being a jerk?

1. I keep more than one feeder and waterer so the lower rung birds can eat and drink. I separate them a good ways so the Higher end birds can't easily make it to the other feeders adn waters. Too I keep them all feeders and waterers a good way apart too.
In this run there is space behind and under the bales of hay that the big birds can't get to. Creating a safe haven for Frenchy and others. My Delawares though are better with the odd bird. You breed mix might be a problme.

2. Not a birds are created equal. My Dominiques were a bossy lot. The one hen going in first and squawking for the others to come in. She made a very protective mom too. As long as she's ot interfereing with laying I wouldn't worry.
 
Now for why I dropped in. I'm going to order a Stethoscope for egg checking, to see if I hear a heartbeat. Only once did I hear a heart beat by ear. Marans are tough to candle and I'm thinking a stethoscope may help. Has anyone ever used a stethoscope to check hatching eggs? If so is there one you like?
 

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