Thought I'd post a quick pic of part of my first broody clutch! (The Marans folks are getting tired of my Silkie pics I think? ) Any way, I have 4 hens and a roo in this pen, with now 16 chicks. All of the adults take care of all the babies, it is so amazing to me! The roo refuses to go into the coop at night, until all little bodies are inside. I never dealt with broodies before, but all 4 hens sat on the nest, and took their turns going outside to eat, drink, and stretch. I finally took the remaining 8 eggs out from under my Splash girl, as the other hens took care of the chicks outside, and she was left alone to incubate. She was looking worn out, even with me bringing her food and water, so I took the eggs and put them in the bator. Two hatched last night, and there are other eggs in there too from the Partridge pen. The two that hatched were Partridges, and took them out to the pen this morning, where the Splash gal is looking over them. I think I love this broody thing!
What a sweet family portrait! I love stories how the silkies cooperatively raise the babies together.
