Broody

November 25, 2008

Paddy Cakes and Bok Choy have both gone broody. I noticed that Paddy was not coming out from behind the feed can where everyone sleeps and lays about three weeks or so ago. Poor little thing, not only is she broody but has gone into an early molt as well. First, she lost the feathers on her head, then neck, then breast. I make Paddy get up twice a day to go outside for some exercise, fresh water, and food. She doesn't stay out of her nest for long and then it's back inside to sit. Now, I've discovered Bok Choy has joined her in the land of Wanna Be Mothers. Bok Choy is less reluctant to get up off the nest, perhaps it's because she hasn't been nesting for as long as Paddy. Yesterday I found a toy in her nest (if you look closely at the picture you can see it sticking out). It's funny what you find in the nest - lots of feathers, scraps of burlap, and straw. I've read that nesting chicks will even pluck their own feathers to add to their nest. I have given them both faux eggs to sit on hoping that will reduce the stress on them. Paddy looks just terrible. Even her little comb looks shriveled and pale. Bok Choy still looks silky and pretty. I'm not sure how long they will stay broody but look forward to the time when they are finished with that phase. (Pictures include Paddy looking quite pitiful with no feathers on her head, and a shriveled up comb. Also, a picture of Bok Choy sitting).