what vey best full size broody hens & make great mothers

[Clubber1234]

Do you know of any other civil chicken website?

 

[bruceha2000]

Yes, but chick poo has liquid that seeps through to the heating pad if it isn't covered by something water resistant... was my thought.

Didn't seem to happen in my case, the flannel pillowcase was pretty thick. And I used gorilla tape to hold the pad on CAREFULLY making sure there was no "glue side" exposed. I guess that probably ended up covering at least half the pillow case. And the XpressHeat pad can be put in the washing machine.

I wouldn't "talk" too loudly about pellet guns if your aerials are a protected species. Like raptors.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Didn't seem to happen in my case, the flannel pillowcase was pretty thick. And I used gorilla tape to hold the pad on CAREFULLY making sure there was no "glue side" exposed. I guess that probably ended up covering at least half the pillow case. And the XpressHeat pad can be put in the washing machine.

I wouldn't "talk" too loudly about pellet guns if your aerials are a protected species. Like raptors.

I was wondering how you secured the heat pad to the bottom of the frame.

Oh no... we're hunting gophers! And maybe crows, after I research if that is allowed. Crows are totally chick thieves and not welcome here. Even though at least you KNOW when they are around since they are such loud mouths.

Thanks for the word of caution. I actually have a healthy respect and appreciation for raptors. They are beautiful and interesting. Vital to the circle of life. I was able to volunteer at a wildlife rehab center... where the majority of animals I cared for were ALL the predators I now face with my chooks. I got to feed the Golden and Bald Eagles (in addition to many others) and be within feet of them with no fence in between, quite an exhilarating and AMAZING experience. Even got my finger sliced by the very sharp talons of a screech owl. Raptors are one of the main reasons I choose not to use rat poison.

I wonder (and I know it's my responsibility to know), do you know (off the top of your head) if ALL raptors are protected in the US or if it varies by region?

This morning it's very obvious that the two chicks taken from mum last light are not settled in yet with their 11 or so other siblings. But they are safe, at least for now.

 

[bruceha2000]

I think the raptor protection is federal.
Crows have been known to chase off hawks. Hopefully if crows are taking your chicks removing them won't lead to an influx of hawks.

 

[kwhites634]

what vey best
full size broody hens
&
make great mothers

RSL's aren't noted for being broody, but I had one last year that was glued down in a nest for a couple months straight...only hatched two, and one of them died.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Crows have been known to chase off hawks. Hopefully if crows are taking your chicks removing them won't lead to an influx of hawks.

Annoying them... yep. But they rarely ever leave their perch and the crows quickly move on to whatever else. And even though the crows blow the cover of a hawk, my birds have a short attention span and quickly forget that it's sitting there stealthily waiting for the right moment. Blowing their cover and acting like a crazy whack job... broody squealing, rooster predator screaching, waving my arm and stuff is what I started doing once I realize that's kinda what the crows are doing too. I think it might have worked as a red tailed hawk that had been watching my flock for 3 solid weeks up and left shortly after I started doing that. It continued hunting the neighbors sky and doing occasional fly by's for a while. I think it someone different than my original stalker.

Anyways, I know that it's true... but for me the risk does not outweigh the benefit of having them around. And since I didn't SEE the incident take place, but do know crows are smart enough to learn ALL kinds of things including when I'm not around... they've got to go. And when I was having my septic done the guys dug up a gopher and stomped it then laid it there to show me and (edited to reflect correct animal here) a crow swooped down and took it in less than the 5 minutes it took me to return.

Anyways, too far off topic... though it is because we are discussing broody's and I'm noting that two of my Silkie gals have lost chicks this past week or so. Can't say how the LF broody's would be fairing, since I don't have any currently raising chicks for a fair comparison with the same predator load. But I am thinking they MIGHT do a little better. And I plan to at least try putting up fishing line to see if that helps at all. In the end, all chicks (maybe some with broody's) may end up raised in enclosed tractors... chicken keeping is an ongoing never stop learning and adjusting adventure... What applied last year, isn't working out this year.

Now, this isn't intended to be inflammatory... but no it wouldn't surprise me if I got the feds knocking at my door over protecting my livestock while they drop the ball on other REAL issues. The justice system isn't so just. We live in a society where I will get fined if my lawn is too tall but the SQUATTERS across the street (in my old neighborhood) are within their rights?! Anyways, that being said... I guess I don't have real fear or concern for them to come after me, EVEN if reported. But still... thanks for the word of caution. I would never choose to blast anything for NO reason. There does come a point though where I am willing to defend what is mine. I do and will continue to work to be within the law, to the best of my ability.

 

[bruceha2000]

Blowing their cover and acting like a crazy whack job... broody squealing, rooster predator screaching, waving my arm and stuff is what I started doing

Gives new meaning to the term "Crazy Chicken Lady". Perhaps since you already have the protective instinct, YOU would be a good broody hen

 

[sevenfatcows]

French Black Copper Marans, Orpingtons, Dorkings and hybrids with Dorking, Jersey Giants and many of the mutts are broody types and good mothers. I have direct experience with these and am sure others can name additional types. I have a Dorking/FBCM on her third nest in less than a year. Her babies are hatching right now, and she allowed me to take a little peek-so, so cute.

 

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[Gfp]

I have a gold lace gold lace wyandotte hen setting on eggs
& every now & then there is a silver lace wyandotte . in there instead .
&
I have a black australorp setting on egg's .
&
I do not know what it is it has a beard , feather legs & 5 toe's setting on eggs ,

I believe that my chicken with the beard , feather legs & 5 toe's is a Salmen Faverolle
she is not setting on the egg's any more .
I have a all white hen that has been setting on them for the last 2 day's .
&
today . I was out there watching them.
&
a Barred Pylmouth Rock hen . got in to the nesting box . with her .
&
laid on top of the white hen .
&
pushed her out of the nesting box .
&
now the Barred Pylmouth Rock hen . is seting on the egg's .