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I’m wanting my bantam to have a clutch, from my understanding she’s the only breed I have that will go broody. My RSLs go “broody” for 6 hours or so and then it’s “well if they haven’t hatched by now guess they’re not going to -cya”. Until then I’ll just live vicariously through you
Does Kong or King act protective over the babies? Or are roosters more like lions and try to kill them?
I’m wanting my bantam to have a clutch, from my understanding she’s the only breed I have that will go broody. My RSLs go “broody” for 6 hours or so and then it’s “well if they haven’t hatched by now guess they’re not going to -cya”. Until then I’ll just live vicariously through you
Does Kong or King act protective over the babies? Or are roosters more like lions and try to kill them?
This is Kongs first year so he was kind of clueless at first. He didn't take to the Easter incubator chicks for quite some time and they were integrating in starting at 3 days old. Kept chasing them off. Momma and Joannie were the first broodys and like said I usually keep them in the run for a few days to a week. It lets the babies explore and learn their surroundings. When I first let Joannie out, Kong immediately tried to mate her so that caused an uproar with her puffing out like a turkey. After that he's caught on and stays away for all the broodys until she lets him get close.
Broodys want no one around. They focus on the chicks 24/7. And most roosters know this and keep their distance until she allows it, so they tend to the hens but they keep an eye on everything. At least this is the way it is in my experience.
King is seasoned so he's been a good Dad, but I still haven't seen him tidbit treats for the chicks yet. Roady lets him get close now, tho without puffing out. But for the most part he overseas the girls and follows them.
I edited to answer your last question... Normally in most circumstances a rooster will not pay any attention to the chicks at this very early age, unless something tragic happens to the hen and I've read stories of Roos taking over mom duties. My roosters don't step close in most cases until the broody wants attention from him for instance if King is tidbitting and she comes running with chicks in tow.
The roosters job is to protect and service... This stands most true and this involves the chicks. These are his progeny. A good rooster won't hurt or kill his future lineage/hens. You'll hear more stories of broodys killing they're own chicks or definitely more apt to hear of other hens killing chicks thinking they're intruders on space and food resources than you will of a rooster killing young ones.
Hope that helps...
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