Maggie's little helpers

Nobody can say that our little flock don't help each other out whenever they can.   For starters, most of them will squeeze in with Maggie and lay another egg for her to add to her collection.   Actually, Irene and Titian draw the line at doing this.   Well it would be an impossibly tight fit and they both like their comfort, so they lay their large eggs in the nest next door.

We originally intended to allow Maggie to brood just a couple of eggs, but this has grown to 5 (maybe 6 by the time I've finished writing this).   It's easy enough to work out which egg belongs to Pom-Pom and remove it.   Hers are snowy white and elongated.   But both Araucanas sneaked in their identical contributions and Tu-Tu added two, too. 

Tu-Tu with last year's brood (Punk, Rebecca and Rocky)

We lift Maggie off her nest two or three times every day.   She will then have a quick snack, a long drink and a good dustbath.   The moment she's out of the coop, Tu-Tu dashes in and sits on the eggs to keep them warm.  Isn't that nice of her.   However, as soon as Maggie sets foot in the coop, Tu-Tu has the good sense to get up and go.

Last year it was Tu-Tu who was broody and Maggie helped out now and then, but quickly lost interest.   It will hopefully remain the other way round this year, as I really don't want two broody hens.