First off, if my peahen would sit on eggs (in a controlled safe environment instead of out in the wilderness where possums and raccoons dine on her clutch) I'd let her raise them. My peas are kept penned, but I let them free-range if I'm home and can respond to dogs or other predators. They sleep in a safe pen at night, surrounded by an electric fence designed low to repel skunks, possums and coons.
Do broody chicken hens impart antibodies onto their peachick brood? I've read about cocci and blackhead wiping out flocks of handraised chicks, but do chicken-raised peas develop immunities?
If so, is there a need for anti-biotics?
Do broody chicken hens impart antibodies onto their peachick brood? I've read about cocci and blackhead wiping out flocks of handraised chicks, but do chicken-raised peas develop immunities?
If so, is there a need for anti-biotics?