Foster Mama Hens in the Brooder - A New Twist on Feather Dusters

 

When a mama hen abandons her chicks midway through brooding them, what can you do to save those babies and bring them up to be happy healthy adult chickens? I was faced with that dilemma last week, for the first time. Unusual for an Old English game hen, but there's a first time for everything. Papa Rooster is an Old English game, too - these will be pretty chickens!

I had heard of people using a feather duster as a 'foster mama hen', so when these four little chicks (4th is partially visible, upper left) were orphaned by their indecisive mama, I went shopping. I had settled the poor little orphans in a small brooder meant for up to ten baby chicks, and added the new feather duster when I got home from work the next day. It's similar to the color of the hen, and I'm thrilled to say they are thriving now!

They snuggle together under those soft feathers and sleep snug as little bugs in a rug.

Yesterday, it was warm and sunny, so they had a little field trip . . . long enough to get this photo, anyway.

Watching baby chicks who've imprinted on a feather duster is far more fun than using  it for its intended purpose.   😊

Have you faced this issue - how did you deal with it?

Pet Chickens Update

Baby chicks from last post are growing like weeds and staying healthy. One of the babies is starting to spar with Daddy Rooster - that relationship may end. The other four are pullets, so are very docile.

The other night, I went out to get in my truck only to find there was a bobcat under it - he sauntered off seemingly unafraid, without any confrontation. Up here in the Cascade mountains we had our first little snowstorm of the season;warmed up later in the day melting it all. Just equipped the truck with new snow tires, so am as ready as possible.

Here's another fairly new family. Mama Hen is an Ameraucana. You can also see my Japanese Bantam Rooster on the left and Ameraucana Bantam Rooster to his right.  So far, everyone is doing well, hopefully, the same is true for you and your chickens (and other animals-everyone who has chickens usually has a whole managerie, as well).
Feel free to continue contacting me (for all of those who are already keeping in touch). Or email me with any specific questions at scott@fortheloveofchickens.com - I enjoy hearing from all of you.

Baby chicks galore - and two mama hens

Much to my surprise, I went out to feed my chickens one day last week and noticed two hens acting rather strange . . . they were lying close together side-by-side with their feathers plumped up. Didn't take much to figure it out once I put my hand out to reach for one of them. She didn't like it - at all. Somehow, I had missed a few days of this shared broodiness.

These two hens have decided "it takes a village", I guess, to raise baby chicks. They seem to be sharing the role of mama hen, and it looks like there are at least 14 eggs between them. Yesterday, I counted 5 that had hatched.

I've fenced off their little shared nest and will keep a close eye on them. This is the first time any of my hens have doubled up like this - interesting.