"....Your children shall be like olive plants all around your table." Psalm 128:3

Tuesday, June 4, 2013

Our Surrogate Chicken

We have been trying for 2 years to hatch our turkey eggs, but the hens just wouldn't co-operate. We made them a nice, secluded, cozy nest lined with cedar twigs and pine shavings. The hens would sit on the eggs, but not long enough to hatch them out. 

So after 2 years of disappointment, we decided to go unconventional and use a surrogate to hatch the eggs. 

Enter Banty, our Bantam hen. She might be small, but she's an excellent setter. And when went she broody a few weeks ago, we decided to give her a chance at hatching the turkey eggs. 

From the beginning, she was consistent and diligent, only leaving the nest occasionally to get a drink of water and eat the clover we were feeding her.

We waited and waited. 

Then yesterday morning, while the children were outside doing their morning chores, I heard Natalie yell, "Baby turkeys!!!"

I grabbed my camera and ran outside.

And this is what I saw..


Banty had hatched all four eggs!

One little turkey was looking a little sickly, but we hand feed him a few times. And by last night he was on his feet and acting fine.

So, our turkey flock has increased by four. 

Next up - enlarging our chicken flock by hatching out some baby chicks, and Banty just might be the one to do it.  :)

Hope you all have a lovely day!

11 comments:

  1. Yeah! Great news! I can't wait to show my kiddos these pictures. Have a wondeful day, dear Lisa!

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    1. I hope you have wonderful day, too, dear friend!
      And thanks for stopping by. :)

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  2. Oh, that is so funny on so many levels.

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    1. So glad you stopped by, Kendra. Praying for you, my friend. :)

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  3. Wow, how interesting. I am so glad it worked well, and now, as you say, for the chicks. Go Bunty!

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    1. Yes, Silvia...hopefully some baby chicks will be making their appearance next month. :)
      Hope your day is a wonderful one!

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  4. She definitely is, Jen. Hope you have lovely day!

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  5. Yeaaa Banty!!! She must be one proud mama. That is very exciting and cute too! Congratulations my friend. :)

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    1. Thanks for stopping by, dear Jane. Hope you're having a lovely week. :)

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