Wild hens and roosters, one is laying

[lildarlinshine]

So, we have acquired an entire flock of 18 wild hens and roosters. There are 14 hens, and 4 roos. They belong to neighbors who don't tend well to their flocks, or other animals. They have become super friendly, even coming right up to the grandbaby who is 2 wanting food from her hands, when out there with her tossing cracked corn. One of the roos and one hen are loners and take off on their own, as three roos don't allow the one roo to run with the flock. The hen of this rogue roo has laid 5 eggs under the back porch, one a day for 5 days, we've been watching her, and have made her a small nesting box with wheat straw to nest with. The roo stays with her when she is sitting on the nest, but after she lays the egg, they take off to others part of the property, leaving the eggs alone. Is this normal behavior for a hen laying? Should I let the eggs be? Should I be collecting them? If these are possibly going to be hatchlings I will keep them for my own runs on the other side of the property. These roos and hens never go over there, that I see. This hen never sits on the eggs, we've been out there all hours of the day and evening and once she lays, she is gone. Advice? Anything? Input?

 

[sourland]

She won't set on the eggs until she builds a clutch and goes broody. You could take the eggs inside, replacing them with artificial eggs until she goes broody and then put them back, or as long as temperatures are moderate - just leave them there.

 

[lildarlinshine]

She won't set on the eggs until she builds a clutch and goes broody. You could take the eggs inside, replacing them with artificial eggs until she goes broody and then put them back, or as long as temperatures are moderate - just leave them there.

I'm not sure what she even is either. But her and the roo are best friends and if she gets distressed he comes running. I tried to take a pic of her but she is fast. I think they all may be game fowl of some sort. I will let them be.

 

[sourland]

She is a game fowl.

 

[Mrs. K]

Beware of the two year old and the roosters. If a rooster goes bad and becomes human aggressive, they tend to attack children first.

 

[lildarlinshine]

Beware of the two year old and the roosters. If a rooster goes bad and becomes human aggressive, they tend to attack children first.

Yes, we watch her closely around the roos, and anything for that matter thats out in the yard.

 

[Charlene W]

It is normal for a hen to lay and walk away. Breakfast is served. They are yours. If they become broody they will sit on the nest and growl if you get close. Enjoy your new chickens.

 

[featherhead007]

I have acquired seven little game chicks. I want to learn everything about game breeds. They are all so sweet and not aggressive as I would have thought. Their mother is aggressive, but most moms will protect their babies.