Sdwd

[kathyinmo]

Mark this date down so I don't forget.

BLRW pullet is broody. Yesterday was day 1. Sooooo, hatch date should be April 8. She is sitting tight, and has a ferocious growl if you come near. This young pullet has only been laying a few weeks.

 

[PepsNick]

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Woops, that pic doesn't show it to well, but the face really does. Will snap a better one later.

 

[Hillbilly Hen]

I am still waiting for a broody hen!

 

[kathyinmo]

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I talked to Jeremy today and he told me that this strain of Barred Rocks does go broody.

 

[speckledhen]

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I won't forget--that's my older son's birthday.


This strain of BRs goes broody? That will be interesting. None of my BRs have ever gone broody, not one. I like that they still have natural tendencies.

 

[kathyinmo]

Yes, I rather enjoy that fact, too. In reading the history of these Barred Rocks, which I know is sooooo long ago, I read that E. B. Thompson bred for broodiness, egg production, and most of all vigor or "survival of the fittest." I really believe they still have alot of those traits in them. Their foraging skills far surpass the other breeds I have, as seen in the lower amounts of commercial feed they consume. They much prefer foraging. I am glad winter is over (it is, isn't it?) so they can resume their routine of ranging in the timber. I keep them penned in the mornings, and let them out at noon. Most usually they have all laid their eggs by 11 AM.

 

[speckledhen]

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They sound just perfect, Kathy, they really do. I'm be happy when mine hatch. Hope there are plenty for Scott, too--I need an excuse for him to come back here to visit. The Delawares are fabulous foragers, too, as you know. How do the New Hampshires do or do you let them out to free range?

 

[Hillbilly Hen]

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Nope!! Talking about a mix of snow and rain next week and then back down to 30 degrees.

 

[PepsNick]

Yes, broodiness. Since he didn't use incubators, he sure needed them to keep the strain going. Hope that doesn't get bred out, over time. Though it's funny how someone can breed for broodiness and egg production. He's remarkable!

 

[kathyinmo]

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They sound just perfect, Kathy, they really do. I'm be happy when mine hatch. Hope there are plenty for Scott, too--I need an excuse for him to come back here to visit. The Delawares are fabulous foragers, too, as you know. How do the New Hampshires do or do you let them out to free range?

They all take turns ranging. The New Hampshires do not stray very far. As a matter of fact, of all the breeds, they stay the closest to their pen. They prefer to dust bathe in the nearest area they can find, and then go back to the pen. They range very little, other than that.