The babies are 5 weeks old today and getting SOOOOO big! Mama Bear (Honey) is still mothering them and comes when they call her. She still gives them the best treats when she finds them. And they are still sleeping under her at night.
But their head and neck feathers are coming in fast and furious and don't think it will be long before they will be comfortable roosting next to her instead of sleeping under her at night. At least I hope.
Today was quite warm and I let them out into the big garden. The sprinklers ran earlier so it was still quite damp and cool. But where does Mama Bear show them where to hang out, right by the back sliding door where Flock Mistress comes and goes from and might bring treats.
Wow, they are getting big and their so well feathered. Dotty was about a month old when we first had her and was quite bare on her back. They are so cute!
ReplyDeleteThey are getting so big and SO pretty! Great job! I'd love for you to link up this post to my new blog hop. I think it is just perfect! http://www.tillysnest.com/2012/09/down-homenumber-1.html Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI posted this same comment just now to your original post. We want to try this with a broody hen. How has it worked out so far? Any words of wisdom that you have learned through this experience? I would appreciate any that you have. We are thinking about getting some tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteIt's worked out beautiful. I would recommend separating your broody and her baby chicks for a time, I did it for a week, just to give her time to adjust and give the other hens time to adjust to this new set up. Everyone has lived together just fine after that. Well, Honey's sister Spice has taken to being aggressive towards her. I think that has to do w/ her being broody. So tonight Spice got a peeper put on her. I so hate to do that but I'm tired of seeing Honey getting pecked and I don't want her teaching this naughty behavior to the babies.
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