As I have been finding it so easy to lift Butterscotch from the nest box and as she has no longer been showing any stress when she can’t get back in I increased the amount of times I lifted her out yesterday to five times and I kept her out for longer each time. The last time I took her out it was only an hour before the bedtime treats so I left the coops closed.
She did briefly go and perch on the top rung of the ladder in the chicken shed but she was back out in the run before I went in to give the bedtime sunflower hearts.
Today I had no deliveries to do so decided to spend some time in with the girls. I lifted Butterscotch out mid morning and closed the coops. I then dug over the run and found the girls some worms. This also leaves the earth loose so that they can scratch and there was an added bonus of a bit of sun too. Butterscotch seemed quite happy out in the run and was scratching and preening.
I then swept the patio area and cleaned the food and water bowls. By now it was nearly lunch time and Butterscotch still seemed happy. She no longer went and sat near the nest box. I decided to leave the coops shut as none of the girls are laying at the moment and I thought it would be good for Butterscotch to stay out in the run.
I checked on her frequently and she seemed to be back as part of the flock again. It was so nice to see her joining in.
Honey and Speckles seem to have become allies and I have found them sitting together a few times lately. This afternoon they were sat really close together in a patch of sun. Speckles was almost laying on Honey and they looked really sweet together.
Honey and Speckles
Butterscotch came and sat by them
It has been wet lately and the girls have looked miserable but today the sun brought them all together in the run which was so nice to see.
A close group of seven girls
They have a communal preening session
Butterscotch joins the flock
All eight girls together
This was so lovely to see. Every time I went up to the girls Butterscotch ran to greet me with the rest of the flock. Every time I looked out of the window I could see her among the flock. It is the seventh day since she went broody so I feel really pleased at how quickly this has progressed.
Apart from quietly clucking to herself she seems back to normal. I am going to keep the coops closed for now and see how she is tomorrow. I think we might just be through it.
Click here to see the history of my flock.
You’ve done really well! Hopefully, she through it and will be laying again in a week or so.
That would be really good as no one else is laying. After the wrath of Topaz I actually found her a dream to deal with.
Yay! I love how they all stick together, and greet you when you arrive. ?
I love it too, it’s what makes chicken keeping so great.
I am so pleased that hopefully she is over the worst for your sake as well as hers … Fingers x
Me too. After Topaz she was actually really sweet to deal with but it is lovely to see her back out with the flock again.