Moving a determined broody to the broody pen tonight and hope that she will stay on the nest.
Mama hen and two babies, Thunder(the big gray hen biddy) and Lightning(little red roo) will be joining the flock back in the big coop tonight. They had a night there already and did great, so this time its permanent.
Our egg production dropped sharply in about two days time, from 24 to 12. Now, being free rangers, my first thought is to the truant newcomers who have not layed an egg yet, but I suspect are hiding eggs. Now, I think they are leading a revolt.....so the hunt is in earnest to find the hidden nest(s).
AND, I think we found a nice little hole dug under the foundation of the shed into which I suspect our hens are disappearing and laying their eggs. One more hole blocked off, wired over, etc. Pretty soon there won't even be a place for a songbird to develop a nest!
Found a new mantis tiller on Amazon for around $54 and free shipping, so will probably spring for this in the absence of ever finding a good, big Troy-bilt for cheap around here. No fair trade-off, IME, but even a little Mantis is better than going into the garden season with no tiller. I used my mom's Mantis last year and they are powerful little diggers. As usual, being poor and SS, I will make do with what the Good Lord provides and be thankful for my blessings!
