the very stubborn chicken

Posted by on April 3, 2007 in farm | 5 comments

Tinydaffodils Well, the ice didn’t work. I went out this morning, and that darn broody hen was sitting on a ziploc bag full of very warm water. So today she is spending the day in out in the pen. I put some food and water out there, sprinkled some scratch, tossed in a few grapes, and left instructions for the husband to take her some more treats this afternoon. I know she’s not been eating enough, everytime I lift her out of the box I feel her crop and it’s completely empty. She’s also missing a few chest feathers, and I want to put a stop to that right now. Apparently, when hens are setting, they pluck out the feathers to control the humidity because the eggs need a certain amount of moisture to hatch. I’ll keep you all updated :o)

I think we are on the last wave of daffodil blooms. One of my favorites appeared this week. These tiny little woodland daffodils belong in a fairy garden, don’t you think? I love the snowdrops too.

Thanks for all the birthday wishes and words of concern for my silly chicken, I know she’s just a chicken, but I’ve managed to keep them all alive and healthy, and I’m not going to let one of them fail me now, darnit!

5 Comments

  1. Calypso April 4, 2007 at 7:45 am

    Hi, I’ve just stumbled across your lovely blog today, and read about your broody hen with interest. My grandmother used to have hens, and the ice method worked for her hens, but it would take 2 – 3 days. You have to change the ice-block regularly, and eventually the hen’s temperature will come down and it should snap out of the broodiness. Good luck!

    Reply
  2. Yolanda Elizabet April 6, 2007 at 1:22 pm

    Hey Lucy,
    Very pretty those daffodils, in my garden they are almost gone too. A pity really because I like them a lot.
    Seems like you had a great birthday weekend. Now why didn’t I think of that? Instead of just 1 day, have 2 to celebrate. Good thinking Lucy! 😉
    BTW On Bliss the story of Surprise has a new episode. I thought you would like to know. Have a lovely Easter!

    Reply
  3. Jessica April 6, 2007 at 8:15 pm

    Just stumbled upon your blog via yvestown!

    Reply
  4. Anita April 10, 2007 at 12:48 am

    Hi Lucy!
    Thanks a lot for passing by my blog and leaving such a nice comment on my garden. New visitors are always hightly appreciated (I have not seen you commenting before).
    You have a lovly garden blog as well! And happy belated birthday!
    Looking forward to seeing you again at my little garden!
    Greetings from Germany,
    Anita

    Reply
  5. carolyn April 10, 2007 at 1:17 am

    Oh dear that is one stuborn chicken, good luck with her.

    Reply

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