Today, I candled the eggs Petty has been sitting on. She is on day 8 today, so it was time to see how things were going. She has been sitting on 10 eggs, and 8 were fertile!
I thought she had been doing a very good job. I bring her some kind of treat each day, and while she is still skeptical about my involvement in this whole process, she is kind about it. Plus, I am sure treats help. She won’t get off of the eggs herself to take a bathroom break, so every other day, I pull her off and get her to walk around a little bit. Even as I am in the crate with her, dragging her off the eggs, she is never mean to me. In fact, when she pecks at me for getting near the eggs, it’s not even a real peck. It will be interesting to see if she remains so chill once the babies come.
Anyway, I am pretty excited about the eggs because Ruby’s egg is growing! I am thinking a baby from Ruby and our rooster, Dvorak, who is completely gray, should be beautiful. And guess what? Juliet’s egg is fertile! We have a fertile one from Silver as well, and even one of the Salmon Faverolle eggs is fertile. Apparently, Dvorak has been doing a better job than he was in the spring.
Of course, it’s still early. I don’t know if all of these babies will make it, but it’s a hopeful start. And I really like hanging out some with Petty and getting to know her. Her mama, Mary Jane, is still living a bit on borrowed time, so I am thankful to get to know Petty more. She’s a fantastic hen.
I guess they all are in the own ways, aren’t they?
Eight fertile eggs is a great start Crystal! Thanks for the update.