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The Kitchen Garden |
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Diary
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March 2002
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My
little black hen has gone broody. She sits tight and it would be a waste
not to set some Orpington eggs, especially as we need a new cockerel. It
is a little early, but she’s a good mum. I’ve phoned my friend
Pauline for some fertile eggs and I’ll set three - she’s a tiny
little hen and I won’t put all my eggs in one basket - we’ll hatch
some more later in the year. |
The Kitchen Garden Church Lane Troston Bury St. Edmunds Suffolk IP31 1EX 01359-268322
What happened in:
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It’s
best to wait until the broody has been sitting settled for a few days
before introducing other eggs, and I usually slip them under her in the
evening. She will sit, leaving her clutch every day or so for a drink, a
meal, and a quick dust bath. An inexperienced hen may need to be taken
out and encouraged. When you pick her up, check that she has no
parasites and dust her and the nest with louse or mite powder. Calculate the hatch date 21 days from the time you introduce the eggs. Fingers crossed. Will keep you posted. |
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P.S. The Kitchen Garden holds a Hen Party (gentlemen welcome) on Easter Saturday, with an egg hunt and an amateur pure breed hen show. Phone for details if you live in the area. |
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