Rio Tom Gone Broody!

[bramblebrae]

Has anyone ever had a tom go broody? I have one who is a five year old Rio Grande who has taken turns with a hen - presumably so she can get up to feed each day. It is amazing to see - he very gently slides in next to the hen, and tenderly scoops the eggs with his beak til they are under him, and then settles down to cover them, just like a hen does. This tom has always been a little "different" - we call him Metro (after Metrosexual), because he has always hung out with the hens. No, he is not a bearded hen, but an honest to goodness adult tom! I'd be curious to know if others have seen this behavior before. I sure love this weird bird! Will try to get pics so y'all will believe me!

 

[Birch Run Farm]

Sounds cool, please do post pics!

 

[chunky_ficken]

My neighbor's Eastern Tom shares nesting duties with his hen. I have Easterns, but my Tom has not. I have read that they will do this in the wild, so it's not surprising. I'm sure it is an amazing sight........post pics if you can.

 

[bramblebrae]

Thank you for posting with info. I had no idea that toms did this in the wild - I thought the sexes went their own ways after breeding - but it makes sense when you consider how long a hatch takes and the vulnerability of a ground nest. Not the best pics ever, but you get the idea. Metro and Henley.

 

[chunky_ficken]

Beautiful birds and a pleasant sight! I don't live to far from you, I'm in Kelso. I'd like to see your hatch, when it's time. We just hatched our first Easterns this spring and it was amazing.