Row's chicks are now 11 weeks old and over the weekend Row began to distance herself from them. Today they were sunning themselves in the compost heap whilst Row herself retreated to the cool of the stable and some ‘me’ time! At 11 weeks, these little ones are more than capable of looking after themselves now. Usually Row gives up on her parenting duties around 8 weeks in, we wonder if the fact these were 'winter' chicks (not planned) made a difference and she felt they needed her longer. And has she recognised the fact we are now having a long patch of good weather. Row's grandmother Queenie, usually gives up on her chicks around 4/5 weeks!!
Broody behaviour is fascinating - different birds really do behave very differently. Teaching chicks to perch is an interesting one, some broodies start way too early when their chicks can barely fly; others leave it too late so we then have to spend night after night lifting them up until they 'get it'!!!