Mama Sussex is still on the nest and we haven't seen any more for a couple of days now. Maybe this is it? We have no idea how many eggs she's setting on. The chicks are all holding their own and doing well.
Mama Buff isn't keen on me taking photos, but I did manage to get some. So far they are staying in the coop.
She is very protective TB! Always goes to position herself between the chicks and the humans. Fortunately they run around enough to get pics anyway. :)
Liz, I know they can be sexed at just a couple days old, but I have no idea how to do it. We usually just wait until they mature enough to see their rooster characteristics. I suspect we have at least one rooster in the bunch!
Anonymous, I originally got the Sussex because I read they were good brooders and mothers. Plus I think they're really pretty. In the past we've found them to abandon their nests before their 21 days. Then last year, a Sussex hatched two chicks in our side yard. When they were two days old she abandoned them to go back to the coop with the rest of the chickens. I don't know if this is the same hen or not, but they're the reason we chose Buff Orpingtons as replacement chickens. Hopefully other people can tell you a more successful story.
RT, they are always the sweetest things. And they grow fast! The amazing thing is that the adult chickens are pretty much leaving the chicks' food and water alone.
I've just started back into blogging about our off grid life on the float cabin in BC. I'm glad to discover you are still blogging. I'll be back to get caught up. - Margy
Margy! I'm so glad you're back to blogging! Is Wayne still writing books? You all have the most interesting lifestyle. Looking forward to getting caught up.
Margy, I lost enthusiasm for writing as well. I keep up with the blog but not as frequently as before. Mostly just to document things I want to remember. I've turned my time toward other interests, such as weaving and genealogy. Such is life, eh?
We don't have baby chickens, but it is baby season here up the lake. We have a pair of geese paddling around with four chicks in a row, red-throated loons with two chicks tucked away on a floating log in the bay across the way, and tree swallows in our birdhouse with anywhere from 2-6 chicks inside that they are furiously flying in and out to feed. Thanks for the welcome back. - Margy
Baby chicks are adorable. Good mama chook for protecting her babies!
ReplyDeleteNina, she is an excellent mama. All the chicks gravitate right to her, even though they're hatched by another hen.
DeleteFor some reason the idea of her not being keen on you taking pictures made me laugh, Leigh.
ReplyDeleteShe is very protective TB! Always goes to position herself between the chicks and the humans. Fortunately they run around enough to get pics anyway. :)
DeleteHow old do they need to be before you can sex them? I'm interested to know if you've got a little rooster in the coop.
ReplyDeleteLiz, I know they can be sexed at just a couple days old, but I have no idea how to do it. We usually just wait until they mature enough to see their rooster characteristics. I suspect we have at least one rooster in the bunch!
DeleteIts funny that the Sussex hen lets the chicks go so easily. Maybe being broody is more about being on the nest than being a mom?
ReplyDeleteAnonymous, I originally got the Sussex because I read they were good brooders and mothers. Plus I think they're really pretty. In the past we've found them to abandon their nests before their 21 days. Then last year, a Sussex hatched two chicks in our side yard. When they were two days old she abandoned them to go back to the coop with the rest of the chickens. I don't know if this is the same hen or not, but they're the reason we chose Buff Orpingtons as replacement chickens. Hopefully other people can tell you a more successful story.
DeleteIt’s just nice that at the end of the day they ended up with the right mom. They are very cute!
DeleteShe looks like a proud mama!! Baby chicks are so cute.
ReplyDeleteRT, they are always the sweetest things. And they grow fast! The amazing thing is that the adult chickens are pretty much leaving the chicks' food and water alone.
DeleteI've just started back into blogging about our off grid life on the float cabin in BC. I'm glad to discover you are still blogging. I'll be back to get caught up. - Margy
ReplyDeleteMargy! I'm so glad you're back to blogging! Is Wayne still writing books? You all have the most interesting lifestyle. Looking forward to getting caught up.
DeleteWayne hasn't written any new books in quite a few years. Like me, he came to a stumbling block, or maybe it was writer's block in his case. - Margy
DeleteMargy, I lost enthusiasm for writing as well. I keep up with the blog but not as frequently as before. Mostly just to document things I want to remember. I've turned my time toward other interests, such as weaving and genealogy. Such is life, eh?
DeleteGreat "chick pics" in this and your previous post. Do you think of yourself as the grandmother??????
ReplyDeleteBob, LOL! Can't say that I do. :)
DeleteWe don't have baby chickens, but it is baby season here up the lake. We have a pair of geese paddling around with four chicks in a row, red-throated loons with two chicks tucked away on a floating log in the bay across the way, and tree swallows in our birdhouse with anywhere from 2-6 chicks inside that they are furiously flying in and out to feed. Thanks for the welcome back. - Margy
ReplyDeleteMargy, I reckon you travel too much to have chickens. It's lovely to watch the wild birds though.
Delete