Bob is going to be a mommy today!

I switched Bob's unfertile eggs with chicken eggs. He has 6, and as of last night they all look ready to come out! I put up a divider in the coop so the hens would quit wanting to lay on his nest...but should I keep it up after they hatch? I wasnt sure if the hens would be mean to them even though they are theirs. They free range, but we have a rooster as well (although he is very nice). I just want to make sure they are safe, but dont want to seperated them too long if I dont have too since Bob will want to come out and take baths in his pool, and he cant as long as we have the divider up. Any ideas?

I am so exicted! Definately plan to post pictures after they hatch. We have 3 eggs from 'Mop-top' the 7 year old hen that we got for free because she has apparently quit laying eggs for two years.

I should say that Bob also has his nest in his own box on the floor. It is pretty big, and gives him a place that is just his. I know...Bob IS a girl...but I dont think i will even quit saying 'him'.

Melissa

I know how it is--I still call my by now certainly a pullet Silkie, Riley, a "good boy".

I hope someone can answer you about separating the chicks--I think the mother hen protects her chicks from other hens that can be aggressive toward them--I don't know if Bob would do that. But maybe one hen will be willing to take them on--although maybe they have to have been broody first?

oh yeah...ALL of our hens were broody... but Bob was the first, so he won out. The other hens all want to sit on the eggs except Mop-top...she is our most aggressive hen, and 3 of the chicks are hers. I might keep them seperated until they all hatch...then let them out after a few days to see how they do. I can always seperate them again. Bob is VERY protective of those eggs! So I think he will be the same for the chicks when they come out. I dont think he knows they eggs arent his though.

just keep the see through divider up for about three weeks, then you should be OK...

i am so excited for bobbie!

Sounds good. I think one of the eggs must be close. Bob keeps jumping up and looking under him...then laying back down. Ahh...this reminds me of the first egg Bob ever laid. Its like having grandchildren! haha...maybe not quite at cool...but still very neat.

we're waiting... --- ... --- ... --- ... --- ... ---...

Me too! Should be one or two at least by tomorrow morning.