I hadn't noticed her around for about 2 weeks, so when we found she was sitting on at least 3 eggs (she was crammed into a tiny space) I thought I'd have at least another week to get ourselves organised for any new chicks (hens have a 21 incubation period).
Well today, we thought we'd encourage her off the nest to have a drink and some food. To our amazement when we lifted her off we were greeted by 11 fluffy chicks, plus 1 dead one.
We've moved her and her brood, to a pet carrier inside a stock cage. Shes a tiny hen crossed with a light breed rooster, so I think her babies will all be mini sized.
This is her in her new abode with her babies snuggled underneath. And yes that is the dead one in front of her. I put it back with her as it was still warm. I've made the mistake of discarding a dead chick before, only to find it couple of hours later (on top of the compost heap where I'd put it) cheeping and very much alive! This one I think is well and truly dead though - no miraculous resurrections just yet!
This is Pete our Golden Campine rooster, and new dad! He was the only chick to hatch in our last attempt back in April.
Now to find out how many are pink and how many are blue...
