jeshen Posted July 17, 2012 Share Posted July 17, 2012 Golda's solitary foster owlbeard chick (Wilma) will be 7 weeks old on Thursday. I think Golda has started laying again and, although the two of them have still opted to roost together at night apart from the other hens, I got the feeling that Golda was gradually losing interest in mothering. So today I went to buy another owlbeard chick to keep Wilma company. I've put them both in a small run within a larger run, so that the other hens can all see them, but Golda can't now get in. Wilma is absolutely distraught and hasn't stopped calling for Golda and running round wildly. Golda has been calling back in response and trying to get back in with her chick. Have I made an awful mistake by separating Golda and the chick too soon, or am I anthromorphising too much? Should I take the new chick back and wait for another week or two? Oh dear, the dramas of keeping chickens... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted July 17, 2012 Share Posted July 17, 2012 I'd grit your teeth now and leave things as they are. No point chopping and changing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeshen Posted July 17, 2012 Author Share Posted July 17, 2012 Thanks Egluntyne. I think most of Golda's problem was that she wanted to lay an egg!! Once she found the eglu where she used to lay she quietened down and did the business! Wilma and Betty are now eyeing each other up as possible friends, so things are looking up...! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mimi5 Posted July 17, 2012 Share Posted July 17, 2012 Milly my pekin broody was a bit screechy for a few days after leaving her chicks (but was laying & seemed ready to be out & about!!) but really settled down once she was joined by Molly my other broody. Now the 3 of them Milly, Molly & Mr Monty are haapy as they ever were!! Or though Milly does still show an interest in her chick when they are all free ranging (babies in their own run area) but Molly isn't the least bit interested in her 3!!!! I guess some are a little more maternal than others. Give it a day or day and I'm sure she'll be fine! So Please can we see pics of the new owlbeard ??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
