How did this turn out?
I have nearly the exact situation. None of my hens went broody for a year so I got an incubator. On day 7, a hen started to brood. Figures, right?
I'm contemplating putting any hatched incubator chicks under her at night, and putting hers into the incubator for their...
This is only my second time attempted to incubate. The first round was a total loss after just a few days due to a humidity issue.
So round 2. This is day 8. All the eggs from my flock of various ages hens. Incubator is a YuXi brand, 16 egg. Temperature is maintaining 100.5-101. humidity...
I'll change their food right away and get them some oyster shells. Thank you for the guidance!
They free range first thing in the morning. There are two very large coops and multiple nesting boxes in each one. I have three roosting bars but they all seem to want to use the same one!
I think this is most likely what's going on. I took in three hens last summer and one of them is super bossy. I've seen her pecking others but wasn't sure if feather-pulling was part of that. I can easily imagine her considering herself ranking above everyone, roos included!
I hadn't thought about that possibility, thank you! I can't think of anything they'd be rubbing their heads on, but I'll absolutely check and make sure in case there's something I haven't noticed.
They eat in the yard while free-ranging and don't use an actual feeder. Their waterer is...
I have 28 hens and 2 roosters. Two of the hens have bald heads now. Rooster Junior is a bit rough with the girls, so I thought maybe it was his doing. What has me second guessing is Rooster Senior is also bald headed. I do also have a hen who is rather bossy and an instigator.
I have checked...
I was doing woodwork with my husband and suddenly realized there were no chickens in my front yard! Finally found them in that pile. My heart skipped a beat! 😂