Ribh's D'Coopage

Eve is soo grown up!!! 🄰
Yes she is. She is finally bigger than Ɖowyn. Remember this photo from 2 years ago?

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Thanks Perris. Hatch rate isn't great. Started with 12. If we're lucky the last 2 will hatch to make it an even half. Lost Wrold's last one. There still seemed to be egg yolk & a tough membrane. He seemed to have been squashed in the shell & half stuck to it & then Wrold ate half of him...:sick Really gross but I expect there was some nutrient she wanted from his carcass.

The youngest frizzles I've had were just off heat & definitely frizzled by that stage but I will hope you are right & they will all moult frizzled.šŸ˜‰šŸ¤£
You're doing all right Ribh. Failure to hatch is something one gets used to. There are so many reasons why it happens, most of which one can't t much about.
If you're going to range the birds from dawn to dusk then predation is something one must learn to deal with as well.
Once you have a male establish the hassle of getting in eggs from breeders etc and coping with whatever they provide stops once the hens go broody.
Most hens once the've gone broody once will do it again and again and again...:rant Think self sufficient with at least some control of the quality of the mums and therefore the eggs they lay and hatch.
 
A 50% hatch rate is not uncommon, especially with novices. If they go broody again, they will probably do better.

6 out of 12 is good. Even for trained broodies. Congrats! šŸ„‚

Your hatch rate was way better than mine. I had 3 out of 11 hatch and one did not survive. Your ladies did very well.
You're doing all right Ribh. Failure to hatch is something one gets used to.
Thank you everyone!šŸ§”šŸ’›šŸ’œ I was starting to feel quite rattled wondering what we'd done wrong & I was so disappointed for the hens. Another 1 would make it easier on Alpia as the nutters are now stealing chicks as well as eggs.šŸ™„ They do try to move in on Wrold but she sends them packing quick smart so poor Alpia is bearing the brunt. She seems ok with it ~ mostly...
 
If you're going to range the birds from dawn to dusk then predation is something one must learn to deal with as well.
I've got a large run 1/2 up but will give access to the rest of the yard when I'm home. I had to do something as Ha'penny was going over every fence [ or under it or through it] & the other day she'd led the whole tribe 2 houseblocks away & was surveying a 3rd [ over an acre up here]. I don't even know those neighbours! Leonard was getting quite distressed. He seems to understand the perimeters better ~ or is more obedient! 🤣

My back neighbour has a bachelor pad @ the back fence & that wicked girl went over & flaunted herself before all the males!:he
Once you have a male establish the hassle of getting in eggs from breeders etc and coping with whatever they provide stops once the hens go broody.
That was the idea of getting the rooster! šŸ˜„ He is mating everyone though him trying to mount Portia is a sight to behold!
Most hens once the've gone broody once will do it again and again and again...:rant
Don't I know it! šŸ™„
 
CATURDAY.
Marlow is the only one allowed outside, in the fenced front yard. I know he won't go over any fences. I usually let him out while I sit on the steps & have my 1st cuppa of the day.
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Talking about cats and chicks…. Are you sure your furry beauties leave the chicks in one piece if they have the chance to follow their hunting instincts?

I wouldn’t trust my neighbour cats with the chicks for sure.
 

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