Janah
Well-Known Member
bantam hen had been sitting on 6 eggs. Two days before they were due to hatch she abandoned the nest.
A day after they were due to hatch OH went to clear out the nest and heard cheeping! there was one chick, covered in blood just lying there.
I suggested we put the hen back in the nest and block her exit. She has had access to the nest in all this time.
Within minutes she sat on the chick so we left them to it, without having any real hope of it surviving.
next day she brought the chick out of the nest, the poor thing was very wobbly and kept falling over. at this point I suggested we end it's misery as really didn't think it was 'right'.
Long story short it has not only survived and has grown it's wing feathers and started it's tail growth but is thriving. Mum is very attentive to the point she gets very cross when watering and feeding. I have had several bad pecks but am so glad her baby has survived against all odds.
A day after they were due to hatch OH went to clear out the nest and heard cheeping! there was one chick, covered in blood just lying there.
I suggested we put the hen back in the nest and block her exit. She has had access to the nest in all this time.
Within minutes she sat on the chick so we left them to it, without having any real hope of it surviving.
next day she brought the chick out of the nest, the poor thing was very wobbly and kept falling over. at this point I suggested we end it's misery as really didn't think it was 'right'.
Long story short it has not only survived and has grown it's wing feathers and started it's tail growth but is thriving. Mum is very attentive to the point she gets very cross when watering and feeding. I have had several bad pecks but am so glad her baby has survived against all odds.
