We know broody hens. How about a nanny hen?

[azygous]

It's amazing that Su-su is still doting on these three pullets. She's still feeding them and ordering them around.

The sick pullet, May, is paralyzed and can't get around, but she manages to escape her chicken chair I made for her so she doesn't lie in her poop. I guess she uses her wings to propel herself.

Su-su is always hovering over her, protecting her.

 

[Allsfairinloveandbugs]

Thank you for the update. Yes Su-su's continuing broodiness and protectivess is truly amazing. And i also see in pic that one of the other pullets is helpfully cleaning up the remaining food that May didnt eat.

 

[azygous]

I haven't had time to update since so much time has been needed to deal with May the sick and paralyzed pullet. Through this ordeal, Su-su has stuck right by May, hovering over her, literally. It seems remarkable that she's still so attached to them since they're over six months old, and are very close to point of lay. In fact, one of the roosters claimed April's "virginity" today.

Su-su is the only reason May has been eating anything at all. I've been very worried she would go downhill quickly due to starvation and dehydration, but Su-su tid-bits at her to eat and then she does. Since May can't stand or even balance herself on her hocks, she flails and falls over when she tries to eat. I made a chicken chair for her a couple weeks ago, but it hasn't worked for her until today, when I finally figured out that she needed to feel steady and secure in the chair, not just restrained.

So here is the final version of May's chair. I served dinner, and Su-su was right there ordering May to eat. May obeys Su-su. Su-su doesn't brook anything other than full compliance to her orders.

 

[azygous]

Update: I've never heard of a hen being as protective of a disabled pullet as Su-su is being toward May. Su-su is constantly hovering over her, saving her from being poked and pecked by the other chickens. Her devotion is mind blowing.

The other two pullets have emancipated themselves and are spending as much time with the rest of the flock as they do in the run with Su-su. Su-su could wander over to the main run any time she wishes, but she never leaves May's side.

 

[Allsfairinloveandbugs]

Hi azygous have u updated May's thread since this past friday? Last post im seeing there was 2:44am friday january 15. Just wondering if she is still making progress.

 

[azygous]

I'll go do it now. She's been mainly holding the same pattern, although I was worried about a dusky comb yesterday. It was dehydration.

 

[Allsfairinloveandbugs]

Ok glad to know i hadnt missed anything. I remember you said Su-su said goodbye to Jules a few days before you did. Great to know Su-su is still doting on May. As you've let us all know, Su-su is a very special hen!

 

[ValerieJ]

Update: I've never heard of a hen being as protective of a disabled pullet as Su-su is being toward May. Su-su is constantly hovering over her, saving her from being poked and pecked by the other chickens. Her devotion is mind blowing.

The other two pullets have emancipated themselves and are spending as much time with the rest of the flock as they do in the run with Su-su. Su-su could wander over to the main run any time she wishes, but she never leaves May's side.View attachment 2495557View attachment 2495558

Su-su is such an amazing girl. I just love her. I love May too. She's going to make it with a spirit like that. Sometimes it takes them a long time.

 

[azygous]

May got a much needed bath and is drying the rest of the way after being blow dried. Su-su got a butt tune-up and is also drying out in the garage sunny window. They are sharing boiled rice with keifer. I decided to take advantage of the situation and get a portrait of the two for posterity.

 

[-Kiwi-]

I have a black Australorp hen I named Mary Poppins! She stole my silkies chick and raised her, and that chick, who is now a beautiful hen, still follows her around. Mary is currently caring for a pair of silkie chicks since they dont fend well in the cold, and when my quail eggs hatch, I'm, going to see if she will brood those! It would be really cool if she will raise different species, too.