Last night when I went out to feed the chickens and put up the babies I noticed 1 of the chicks didn't come in. It was on the fence. They usually come running and go to their "rooms". And the mama didn't come either. The other 7 chicks went in and ate. I got the Buffs in their house and went back to the others. I noticed the mama was in but she was not being nice to the babies. They are almost bigger than her now and I guess she's trying to get them to be more independant from her. And I guess she just needs a break! So I left the door open a little and I see them out in the yard this morning. I guess they have grown up and mama knows it.
I didn't realize that mamas quit laying while they are raising their little ones. I figured they did while they set on a nest, but I didn't know while the chicks were little that they still didn't lay eggs! Good to know.
They are so busy raising their young and put all their energy into making sure the young are cared for that I guess their body stops producing eggs. Now the chicks are on their own and she can get back into the egg laying business. The chicks are over by the hen house and mama is with the other hens now. It's kind of sad. But I thought they would always hang out together.
Mama's had enough!
Posted - Jun 14 2009 : 05:22:05 AM
