So Ellen's late eggs finally hatched yesterday (she already has two three-day old chicks from the first hatch), but she rejected the chicks, even going so far as to attack one of them -- the little buff chick. Luckily I came home from work in time to save them both, and now they are brooder babies. I will probably put them in my neighbors' brooder this weekend with several other chicks they are raising, since a flock socialization from the get-go is always a good thing.
I'm thankful I was able to save these little ones, especially the one Ellen attacked. That one seemed on the brink of death when I brought her inside. It turns out she just needed some love, including water. food and most importantly, a warm place to nestle. Hopefully her wounds will heal in time and she can go on to live the life of a happy hen or roo.
I've begun thinking I should re-name Ellen...maybe Joan Crawford might be more appropriate?
How about Madea?! Maybe Ellen is just acting out as a hostile widow-having always planned to raise children with Portia by her side. So glad you got home at just the right time.
ReplyDeleteOh you are SO right! Haha! That is the perfect plot line for how it all happened! I wish Portia was still around, because her and Ellen used to go broody at the same time and I could have given HER the second clutch of eggs. Then they could have been mothers together!
DeleteBless you for saving those chicks. I hope they are doing well.
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