Old Fashioned Broody Hen Hatch A Long and Informational Thread

[bobbieschicks]

My chickens free range most of the day.  They have their coop to go into in case of danger.  There really isn't any way for me to lock up the chicks and momma when I can't sit out there and watch them, if I do that then I lock the entire flock out of the coop.  The chicks weren't alone, they had the entire flock to warn of the danger.  I suspect that this particular chick just didn't listen to the others.  Momma has been very diligent, but the chicks are becoming more active and tending to move further away from her.  Since this is momma's first brood, I suspect that she learned something from this experience.  For the most part, my flock has been pretty free of predators so I think they have become a little lax in their security.  I needed to pick up one of the hens this afternoon and the rooster really went after me, which is unusual.  He's usually all bluff but this time he was serious.  I would guess that losing one of the chicks has him on high alert now.

More likely it was a large bird the did the deed. I lost a 10 week old silky pullet to very large black birds that visited one day while my flock was free ranging. It happens sometimes. Chicks are a target because they're small and easily snatched. Usually the mommas keep tiny ones close enough to protect them and be their cover, but sometimes it just happens.

So sorry for your loss.

 

[Johnn]

Congrats on the chicks Johnn! They are sweet!

Thanks

 

[bobbieschicks]

She has got a Welsummer and a Speckled Sussex, I am so glad she accepted them! The Welsummer chick is so awkward, it just sits peeping in her face and pecking her eye!. I cracked her eggs open and 5/7 were fertile. 4 looked like they died on early days and the 5th one had a fully grown chick in and it just happened to be the egg I found uncovered on day 20!, I keep thinking it could have hatched and its making me feel bad, I did give it a week and 2 days past its hatch day to hatch, was that enough?

Yeah! Adorable if the chick would have hatched it would have happened before. It probably didn't finish developing. It happens.

 

[kannna]

Johnn, I think the paler of your two chicks is going to surprise you on breed. Welsummers and SS both have a chipmunky look as chicks. The good news is that I'm 90% sure the chipmunky one is a girl because her arrow is so sharp.

 

[bumpercarr]

More likely it was a large bird the did the deed. I lost a 10 week old silky pullet to very large black birds that visited one day while my flock was free ranging. It happens sometimes. Chicks are a target because they're small and easily snatched. Usually the mommas keep tiny ones close enough to protect them and be their cover, but sometimes it just happens.

So sorry for your loss.

I caught the cat that I suspected hanging out by the coop this morning when I went to let them all out. Popped 3 snakeshot off and screamed like a crazy woman. Cat took off, don't think it will be back today anyway. Not sure if cats react the same way dogs do, I never see a dog again after I've done that. Cats are sneakier though.

 

[lawatt]

two new mamas today!


Frances with one of her four foster araucana chicks (her 12 eggs never hatched after 27 days, so i got these chicks yesterday & transferred last night after dark) -- she's adopted them without any trouble.


Speedy with one of her two black copper marans chicks, both have hatched but i couldn't get a picture with both looking out -- not sure about her other 7 eggs (three bresse and 4 "icelandic surprises"), but hoping more hatch today!

 

[Johnn]

Mama Orp, had a sudden burst of energy and was up feeding the chicks, I think I have a boy and a girl. If the weather is nice tomorrow then I will take them outside!:

 

[Johnn]

two new mamas today!


Frances with one of her four foster araucana chicks (her 12 eggs never hatched after 27 days, so i got these chicks yesterday & transferred last night after dark) -- she's adopted them without any trouble.


Speedy with one of her two black copper marans chicks, both have hatched but i couldn't get a picture with both looking out -- not sure about her other 7 eggs (three bresse and 4 "icelandic surprises"), but hoping more hatch today!

 

[lawatt]

and an update -- Speedy got up off her nest a little while ago for a snack, and there are FOUR hatched chicks, and a fifth appears to be pipping -- so excited!! (and so glad i was able to stay home today to watch!)

 

[Johnn]

and an update -- Speedy got up off her nest a little while ago for a snack, and there are FOUR hatched chicks, and a fifth appears to be pipping -- so excited!! (and so glad i was able to stay home today to watch!)

Is she a Cream Legbar or Cream Legbar cross? she reminds me of my Melow either way!