We have hatch!

CajuninKy · We have hatch!

My little bantam hen has been successful in her endeavor. She was a young pullet that went broody after only three weeks of beginning to lay eggs. I didn't want any more bantams because I want to get some big stock layers so I got some eggs from a friend who has White Rocks, Rhode Island Reds and Dominiques. All she could cover was 5 eggs so I traded her small eggs for the 5 large, brown ones. She was doing very well in the nest in the chicken yard and then the weather got really nasty. I decided to chance moving her into the barn, nest and all, into a large dog crate. I knew there was a chance she might give up the nest but if she hatched her chicks out in the pen with so much ice on the ground, they were sure to die. We moved her and hoped for the best. She took it all in stride and got right back to work. It had only been a few days after the move when I thought I heard peeping coming from under her and saw faint movements in her feathers. It was very cold so I wouldn't make her get up. The next day after she thought we were gone, she let the chicks out from under her for a drink and I could see them from the next stall. She had 2 chicks, a yellow one and a black one and was still setting on 2 eggs. One she had rolled out and it was rotten so the pigs got it. Today I bothered her enough to get some good pics of the two chicks and I pulled the other 2 eggs from her. They were also rotten and the pigs enjoyed those as well. So we have 2 new chicks for the flock. I will keep her and them in the crate until nicer weather prevails and then I will turn them into the chicken yard. I sure hope both of the chicks are pullets.

I thought this one was really cute.

God's Warrior

OH MY! They are so precious! Quite a mixed and blended family she has there! Thankfully she doesn't seem to be prejudiced. Congratulations to the new mom and you too. Tee hee!

Mary

Peep Peep! They are cute little guys, or girls. Momma hens are so much fun to watch, especially when they are teaching their chicks where to find food, etc. Keep those pictures coming!

Aloe

Those are adorable! If I had a place with space, I'd get some pretty chickens.

CajuninKy

Aloe
You don't need much room for a few chickens and they are such good pets. I could sit forever and just watch mine peck around in the dirt. They are therapeutic. Google chicken tractors. they are really neat moveable chicken pens.

I wanted to strangle the little hen today. I opened the door on her crate to feed them and she flew out and tried to flog me 3 times. She knocked the feed out of my hands. I wanted to throttle her. LOL But at least I know she will take good care of her chicks when I put them in the chicken yard. Guess I'll have to rig up some way to feed them through the door. I don't want her to keep getting upset and I don't want her to make me so mad that I swat her too hard. I know it's hard for you all to believe, but I have my mean moments. Twisted Evil

Aloe

Someone somewhere in the neighborhood has a rooster. I hear it once in a while when I'm out for a walk. I'd be afraid of coyotes or raccoons getting at the chickens.

CajuninKy

I can't let mine free range because of coons, cats and dogs.

Mary

My neighbor had free range chickens until the great horned owls started picking them off. I guess it was a territorial matter. The rooster was the first victim, maybe he was just too mouthy! The owner needs a chicken tractor.