Bee~ Journal of then...

[Beekissed]

Broody hen has tossed two eggs out of the nest....broke them and ate part of one. Bad bird!!! No idea why she would do this but its probably too late to replace them after about 5 days on the clutch, huh?

 

[TanksHill]

Ugggg, why would she do that? How many eggs did you start with? I hope the rest are ok. Good luck.

 

[keljonma]

Broody hen has tossed two eggs out of the nest....broke them and ate part of one. Bad bird!!! No idea why she would do this but its probably too late to replace them after about 5 days on the clutch, huh?

That's not unusual for a first time broody, Bee. I think with a first time broody it is better to start with a small clutch.

If she isn't laying anymore eggs, I wouldn't add to the clutch, as she may leave the nest before all have hatched. (jme)

 

[Beekissed]

The BYC Biddies say that broodies will "weed out" any bad eggs and that any added later might be tossed out as well. As of right now, I don't know how many she has under her.


She is doing very well and seems very dedicated. Now my "bad" broody is trying to go broody......we might have to cull her before its time to do the spring killin'....I have no patience with that stupid bird!

Well, youngest child goes to sign up for the Nat'l Guards tomorrow.....his choice, not mine. :/ He is still a junior in school and I think he's rushing things but he's been wanting this for some time. Losing all my little birds......

Real handy that I'm hatching out more, huh?

 

[lorihadams]

Hey Bee, been gone for a few days and just checking in....glad to hear that the hen made the move successfully and hopefully she won't destroy any more eggs!

 

[Beekissed]

Thanks! I checked on her this evening and she actually let me pet her back and tail....before she has always tried to nail me one! She's been eating well and drinking and she looks real snug in her nest, though its been 10 degrees here today, with a wind chill of around 5 degrees.

I have her in a plastic type dog house of which the top lifts off, filled with fresh green hay and she is smack dab in the middle, in a deep cup/depression. I then draped a blanket over the whole thing with just a corner of the doorway open for ventilation. I'm hoping she is able to keep her comb warmed there....the tips looked a little blue today.

This will be real cute to watch and I'm hoping we have a little warmer weather when these little ones hatch around March 9th. I'm sure this hen will be a good mama, these White Rocks have been impressing me from the beginning with their bossiness and quirky natures....they were the first ones of the whole flock to roost up in the apple trees in the day. People driving by the house do a double take and get a good laugh....big, fat, white birds perching all in the same little ol' apple tree.

 

[Beekissed]

When you find the fearmongering and panicky posts and conversations are kinda......well....getting under your faith's "skin", do you find a scripture that calms you down? I had to do that this week, as I was starting to feel....I dunno...a little nervous, but I couldn't put my finger on it.

I found a book called "What in the World is Happening?" and it was a real comfort to me, as a Christian, to read about how Christians fit into the big pic of the world today.

So....after praying about that itchity feeling, reading through some of the passages, and taking a good, deep breath....

I feel back on track with doing what God instructs us to do in this time.....work with our hands, wait upon the Lord, and just......watch for Him.

Anyone else having to pinch themselves a little and reset the panic button now and again? I usually do not, but I could feel myself starting to get that worried feeling.......its gone now! Whew!!!

 

[keljonma]

Bee, sometimes blue tips on the comb mean she is getting dehydrated. Can she reach the water from where she is sitting on the nest?

I try to avoid the panic-mongers. But these are a few of my favorite verses for the hard and scary times. In the first, can't you just picture yourself as one of God's chicks?

Psalm 91:4 (New Living Translation)
He will cover you with his feathers.
He will shelter you with his wings.
His faithful promises are your armor and protection.

John 16:33 (New Living Translation)
"I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.

 

[Beekissed]

Yes, I can!!! I love that warm feeling of "being under the wing" of God....its what makes me walk around with a smile on my face!

Kel, she has fresh water by her food dish and she is eating, so I assume she is drinking as well. She has been leaving big, nasty-smelling poops in the pen, so she is getting up occasionally for food and drinks. I think she will be alright.....chickens have been doing this for thousands of years without my help, huh?

You know, until this past year, I've never really talked alot about God with anyone other than my family or close friends....but for some reason, I feel compelled to talk about Him now...at the turning point of it all. Funny, huh? I can't really explain it but I'm sure it will all be made known to me soon enough....

 

[keljonma]

It sounds like your hen should be fine. Broody poos... don't ya love em?! Not!


I'm the same way - it has only been within the past 5 years that I have been vocal about God. Now I even admit out loud that I let the Lord do all my worrying for me. (You should see the looks I get. )

edited for typo