I've had these two broody ladies who, despite being shoved in the metal cage of stop-hogging-the-nest-box, will not break their broodiness. At one point I had even tried to slip some ducklings in with them, but they wouldn't accept or reject them, preferring to snuggle up with them until they got bored and left the box. I wouldn't worry too much except that they're getting super thin from going so long (it's been 3 months or something insane...). I had given them a few eggs each a few weeks ago to hopefully cure it, but they eventually kicked out all except the fake eggs that they keep retrieving from the actual nest boxes. The last egg they kicked out a few days ago had excellent development, but was cold, so I fired up the incubator and put him in. The tricky part is here... now he's pipping and I'm wondering if you all think it's a good idea to set him back under the broodys to see if they'll readopt him, or if you think they will probably kick him right back out and let him freeze.
Alternately, I could hatch him and try to shove him under them like the ducklings, but I'm worried they'll be indifferent again.
Thanks for the help!!
Alternately, I could hatch him and try to shove him under them like the ducklings, but I'm worried they'll be indifferent again.
Thanks for the help!!
