Cat tails Posted August 8, 2016 Share Posted August 8, 2016 Since my four came back from boarding, one of my original hens, Nutmeg, seems to be mothering over the new little hens. Both new hens are coming up to laying, so no where near chick age, but they are tiny little bantams. So far I have observed Nutmeg feeding the Dutch bantams bits of grain, bugs and bits of corn. It really is very cute! But I was just wondering: is this normal? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beantree Posted August 9, 2016 Share Posted August 9, 2016 It may not simply be mothering Cattails. It can be the top hen exhibiting the behaviour of a cockerel. They also find titbits and feed them to the hens. This is something we have seen, but not very often because the top hen is usually rather greedy and keeps things to herself. If she starts trying to crow the question will be answered. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sjp Posted August 9, 2016 Share Posted August 9, 2016 broodies start to loose the mothering feeding instinct from about 6 weeks after the chicks hatch and start to get selfish from 8 weeks even through some will stay with the chicks a lot longer I find by 10 weeks the chicks have to feed themselves and in most cases have to defend themselves to through mine by then know who to avoid and who they can steal from. and by the time the broody is back in with the mob then it's all bets are off with 'mom' and chicks has she's normally the meanest to her broods Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cat tails Posted August 9, 2016 Author Share Posted August 9, 2016 It may not simply be mothering Cattails. It can be the top hen exhibiting the behaviour of a cockerel. They also find titbits and feed them to the hens. This is something we have seen, but not very often because the top hen is usually rather greedy and keeps things to herself. If she starts trying to crow the question will be answered. Oh gosh I hope not! She does make low clucking sounds with it. This morning she found a bug, but the little ones ignored her. They found the grain much more interesting. Will see if she starts to crow... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chickabee Posted August 9, 2016 Share Posted August 9, 2016 Been looking all day, to no avail. My white silkie mothered my lavender Pekin frizzle when I first got her. I had a photo but can't find it, it's in the nest box, during the day. The silkie is definitely mothering the frizzle. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cat tails Posted August 9, 2016 Author Share Posted August 9, 2016 Just put mine to bed and both Dutch bantams are snuggled against/under Nutmeg. Leentje has her head under Nutmegs wing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chickabee Posted August 10, 2016 Share Posted August 10, 2016 Found it (still having problems with photobucket) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cat tails Posted August 10, 2016 Author Share Posted August 10, 2016 Lovely! Mine look very similar at night. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
