Are ex-bats supposed to go broody?

[Snadger]

Poor b*ggers had a traumatic life since being with me and I honestly hope she doesn't go broody again and just reverts to being 'one of the gang'.

[lynda66]

awwwwww ....so it went wrong, but it can't be more traumatic than living in a cage, you have given her freedom and love, and i'm certain if she could speak she would say a big thank you daddy

[SarzWix]

Commiserations Snadger, so sorry it didn't work out this time At least she has been allowed the freedom to act out her natural behaviour, and everybody has learned from the experience - including us!
I know it's probably knocked you both, but never say never. Maybe in the Spring ?

[Hilary B]

I just hope that sitting so tight for no result doesn't put her off trying again.

That (with the sheer misery of the failure) is why I think it would be kinder to give her some chicks. Any hen that has sat that well will provide the warmth they need, and she doesn't need to do anything else!

[Snadger]

There's been a developement and a little ray of hope!

I visited Tush today and if you've been following the thread you'll realise she still had two eggs under her.
I took one out and shook it gently (re the exploding egg scenario!) and it didn't 'slosh'. I tried again, gently though, because if there is a chick in there I didn't want to beat its brains out, and sure enough, there was no slosh.
I put the egg back under her excitedly. Soon after she got up off the nest momentarily and came out for a quick drink and peck at her food. While she was off the nest I picked the other egg up and it sloshed........another dud which I took from her.
She is now sitting on the only egg that hasn't sloshed and it's 22 days where they were supposed to hatch at 19!
I'm not building my hopes up too much but can an egg be duff and not 'slosh'?
The plot thickens and tomorrow is another day!

[lynda66]

has fingers toes and legs firmly crossed ...... will make getting around a little difficult but it's in a good cause

[Flummery]

What a roller-coaster ride this is turning out to be - all excited again! Here's hoping ....

[MaureenHall]

Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh please please please please PLEASE let it be ok. I've got everything crossed here - even my eyes!!!

[BrideXIII]

I can't stand the suspenders anymore!!

[lynda66]

I can't stand the suspenders anymore!!

*chucks bride some american tan tights*

[BrideXIII]

*chucks bride some american tan tights*

oooh just what i needed, for the marrow whisky

[lynda66]

lol, glad they were useful