My blue runner went broodie and has been sitting for almost 3 weeks. I've always wanted to let a broodie raise a few birds, but when Hazel would be broodie, there were no day old pullets available.
Just so happened that our local TSC got in a decent variety of pullets today, so I ran down and snagged four of them.
Tried to introduce during daylight knowing it might not go well. She was fine with the 2 black chicks. Not a fan of the brown ones, but left them be. Then they started getting chilly and wanted under and she shoved them all out. So onto the porch with a heat plate they went.
Brought 2 out after dark and just set them next to her in the nest. She moved them under her. Hour later, I went out and plopped the other 2 next to her.
Just went out to check on them and I see a little brown wing poking out from under her, but all appears fine.
I have the bird house set up so she is segregated away from the other birds. There is chick feed and water in there for them. The plan is to close the door tomorrow after the chickens lay their eggs and let them have run of the bird house then close them back in again before dark so everybody else can go in for the night. How long should I keep her away from everybody else and let her bring them out into the bird yard?
Daylight attempt - She was ok with them for a bit and then decided to change her mind.
Tonight after everybody had been snuck in and left alone for a while. I didn't see anybody other than a little brown bit of fuzz poking out, so going with they are all under her (didn't see them anywhere else)
Kodiak is closed under the poop board (which is 6' by 2' or maybe 2.5') with chick feed and water.
Plan is to leave her in there tomorrow am until chickens are done laying, then close the bird door to let them have the full bird house to meander about. I imagine she'll let the other birds know to back off and she'll protect her funky ducklings - but how long should I keep them away from everybody else before letting her do her thing out and about?
Just so happened that our local TSC got in a decent variety of pullets today, so I ran down and snagged four of them.
Tried to introduce during daylight knowing it might not go well. She was fine with the 2 black chicks. Not a fan of the brown ones, but left them be. Then they started getting chilly and wanted under and she shoved them all out. So onto the porch with a heat plate they went.
Brought 2 out after dark and just set them next to her in the nest. She moved them under her. Hour later, I went out and plopped the other 2 next to her.
Just went out to check on them and I see a little brown wing poking out from under her, but all appears fine.
I have the bird house set up so she is segregated away from the other birds. There is chick feed and water in there for them. The plan is to close the door tomorrow after the chickens lay their eggs and let them have run of the bird house then close them back in again before dark so everybody else can go in for the night. How long should I keep her away from everybody else and let her bring them out into the bird yard?
Daylight attempt - She was ok with them for a bit and then decided to change her mind.
Tonight after everybody had been snuck in and left alone for a while. I didn't see anybody other than a little brown bit of fuzz poking out, so going with they are all under her (didn't see them anywhere else)
Kodiak is closed under the poop board (which is 6' by 2' or maybe 2.5') with chick feed and water.
Plan is to leave her in there tomorrow am until chickens are done laying, then close the bird door to let them have the full bird house to meander about. I imagine she'll let the other birds know to back off and she'll protect her funky ducklings - but how long should I keep them away from everybody else before letting her do her thing out and about?
