Sylvie is on the left and Lady Grey is on the right. Eventually they decided to co-mother, and they went broody together.
If fertilized eggs began being set on December 23, they should hatch 21 days later, or on January 13, the day of my daddy's funeral. Needless to say, I was long gone to West Virginia by that time, and baby chicks were the last thing on my mind.
Honestly, I didn't think any of the eggs were fertilized. I hadn't seen either Bernie or Arthur pay any attention to their hens of late. I was willing to have Sylvie (and later Lady Grey) set on eggs because I wanted them to be broody. I wanted broody hens in April. I figured when I came home after the funeral, I'd take them off those tired, old eggs, and we'd call ourselves done.
I returned from West Virginia yesterday evening. Adam had lifted both hens from the nesting box on Monday, and seen 4 eggs. I found one of the eggs rejected (one of Ethel's eggs from the other flock). So on Monday morning, there were 3 green eggs under those hens.
The green egg above is Autumn Hen's egg. I put some of hers under the 2 broody hens.
In the end, the broody silkie hens rejected their own eggs because they weren't fertilized. But Autumn's eggs were kept and set upon because Autumn is Rooster Arthur's favorite hen -- so her eggs are fertilized!
This morning, quite unsuspecting, I found three baby chicks in the coop, peeking under their two broody mamas!
Can you see the little one? The mamas are very protective. Sylvie pecked my hand.There are three of them, all black, like their daddy. They were not there on Monday, so they were born sometime Tuesday, January 16.
I am thrilled, of course! I did not expect chicks this time of year, from such a young roo and young hens. With two mamas, the chicks have a good chance of survival against cold, and they take care of all the instructions - how to eat, how to drink, where to hide. Arthur went in today to see his babies. He seemed pleased.
For the first time, I've had success in increasing my flock - finally!
Congratulations! :) Good job, ladies!
ReplyDeleteOh, how exciting! It's so much fun to watch hens & chicks. I know you'll enjoy it.
ReplyDeleteWow! Triplets. I have to admit that I don't fully understand the way eggs are fertilised, or not. I'm a real towny.
ReplyDeleteThat is so NEAT! What a wonderful surprise.
ReplyDeleteI would be completely thrilled!!!
ReplyDeleteAw! The eggs are gorgeous and the chicks are delightful! Hooray, Farmer MK and Farmer Adam!
ReplyDeleteHello Mk and Bro. Adam. I am a Pastor from Mumbai, India. I am glad to stop by your profile on the blogger and the blog post. I am also blessed and feel privileged and honored to get connected with you as well as know you and your family life as well as your ministry. Your Red Robin Farm is very attractive and the pictures are so eye catching. I love getting connected with the people of God around the globe to be encouraged, strengthened and praying for one another. I have been in the Pastoral ministry for last 39 yrs in this great city of Mumbai a city with a great contrast where richest of rich and the poorest of poor with the love of Christ to bring healing to the brokenhearted. We also encourage young and the adults from the west to come to Mumbai to work with us during their vacation time. We would love to have you come to Mumbai to work with us during their vacation time. We would love to have your young grown up children as well as young people from your church to come to Mumbai to work with us during their vacation time. I am sure they will have a life changing experience. Looking forward to hear from you very soon. God's richest blessings on you, your family and friends as well as wishing you a blessed and a Christ centered New year. My email id is: dhwankhede(at)gmail(dot)com and my name is Diwakar Wankhede.
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