Thanks for the reassurance; I thought and acted (or rather, didn’t) the same. Figured that I’m not present 24/7, and it was bound to happen again, so I’d rather it happened under my supervision. I did not intervene, and as mention, the others didn’t persue. Today mum is far more active and the...
Fret has had a good life. Very sad to read that it might be coming to an end, and I’m sure you’re not feeling great about it, but I’m sure that if asked (and if she could answer), she’d say her last few years were happy ones. The last of the “old guard”, she will join Henry and Carbon. You’re...
Thanks for the clarification. I have no questions about flock/group dynamics with a broody, nor experience. What I can do is share yesterday’s observations after the chicks were introduced to the group.
Starting with the roosters, they all showed interest initially, but remained neutral...
I know nothing about sex linking, but this is very interesting (plus the chicks are gorgeous). Way more than the common RSL. I’d BDutch is ok with a little bit of genetics talk on this thread, could you explain how the fibromelanosis only passed down to the female chicks?
Sorry about the black...
Success!
Mum brought them down today, with a little help from me (the only help I’ve given throughout this process). Mum isn’t looking great, the brooding process was tiring, and she got a bit beat up from the other hens, though she stood her ground. Being a first timer didn’t help, I’m...
Chickenlandia has some informative videos for sure. I’ve never heard of of the Featherbrain, though after a quick search, she seems knowledgeable. English Country Life have some nice videos, and though not as informative, some older Brimwood farm videos are good as well. One of our members...
Thanks Perris and BDutch. The chick seems to have died in that zipping position. Not sure what went wrong. All other eggs are under her, but it’s been more quiet than I’m used to. As you can imagine, I’m quite worried. I have one more inspection later today, and then we’ll see what tomorrow...
We have liftoff, as Perris once said. I found one chick in the process of zipping right in front of mum's wing, hopefully more are pipping under her. Mum and eggs are now blocked off.
Hopefully all will go well, as has been the case so far:fl
I’ve been silently following along. Not much more to say, but I’ll be expecting another post from them in a month at most asking for advice with multiple cockerels.
To their credit, the last post seems promising
You know it’s going to be a good day when Shad posts photos from Catalonia:lol:.
Lovely photo there with Cillin (I think:oops:). You’re right, things are much easier when roosters let you get that close:love. Currently only Big Red will let me.
Tax because I suspect I am behind. Not many good...
Females can wean their chicks at four weeks, or five, or eight, or much longer. Even the same hen often chooses to wean her second and third batch a different age she did the last.
One can’t know when mum decides the chicks are ready to fend for themselves. Since your hen has been a good...