Mother's day hen managed to save a struggling chick -- does this happen a lot?
Our take
Mother hens are often the unsung heroes of the chicken world, and Runaround Sue’s recent story proves just that! After hatching seven adorable chicks, she turned her attention to the eighth egg, which was struggling to make its grand entrance. With patience and encouragement, Sue pecked at the egg, while her chirpy little ones rallied around, providing moral support in their own peeping way. It’s heartwarming to see a mother hen instinctively nurturing her chicks, even when the odds seem stacked against them. So, is this maternal dedication commonplace? Absolutely! For more on the enchanting behaviors of our feathered friends, check out our article, "Help: One of my chicks eyes keep becoming like this what should I do?" Happy clucking!
In a heartwarming tale that proves the power of maternal instinct, a recent Reddit post showcased a remarkable moment of perseverance in the poultry world. SuperDuperHost shared the story of Runaround Sue, a dedicated momma hen, who not only hatched seven chicks but also went above and beyond to help the eighth, a struggling hatchling, emerge from its egg. This touching narrative raises a question that resonates deeply with chicken enthusiasts: is it common for hens to exhibit such devotion to their chicks? As it turns out, this behavior is more than just a rare occurrence; it underscores the incredible bond between a mother hen and her offspring, reminiscent of the themes explored in other stories within our community, such as Help and Chirping and running around the whole day but finally calms down when being held, she fell asleep in my hand after this hahaha.
Hens are known for their nurturing capabilities, and Runaround Sue's tender care is a beautiful illustration of this trait. The sight of her pecking at the egg while the other chicks gathered around chirping in encouragement is enough to make any chicken lover's heart flutter. Such moments reveal the complex social dynamics within a flock, where even the tiniest members are supported by their feathered family. This maternal dedication is not just an instinct but a crucial factor in ensuring the survival and well-being of the chicks. It highlights the fact that, in the face of adversity, the bonds of family can shine brightly, even in the animal kingdom.
This story also serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between nature and nurture. While it’s generally advised that humans should refrain from intervening in the hatching process, witnessing Sue’s determination to help her chick underscores the idea that sometimes, a little extra support goes a long way. As chicken keepers, we often find ourselves grappling with the fine line between intervention and letting nature take its course. The feelings of uncertainty and the desire to assist, as seen in the comments surrounding the post, echo the sentiments found in other discussions, such as Both enjoying The wooden plant holder my grandpa made before he passed :), where the bonds of family and community are celebrated.
Moreover, this anecdote opens the door to a broader conversation about the importance of community among chicken enthusiasts. As we share our experiences—be it through tales of triumph or tribulations—we create a supportive network where knowledge and empathy flourish. This collective wisdom not only aids us in our chicken-keeping endeavors but also nurtures our emotional connections to these charming creatures. The fact that Runaround Sue was able to hatch all eight chicks serves as a reminder that every hatchling has its own journey, and sometimes, a little extra love and patience can make all the difference.
As we move forward, we should keep an eye on the evolving dynamics of chicken parenting. Are we likely to see more instances of devoted hens stepping in to help their chicks as we continue to observe these charming behaviors? The world of chickens is full of surprises, and we may uncover even more delightful stories that showcase the tender side of our feathered friends. Let’s celebrate these moments together and continue to support one another in our chicken-keeping adventures!
 | Earlier post: I had given Runaround Sue, the momma hen, eight eggs to sit on. She hatched two chicks Saturday, and five on Sunday. As the day ended, there was an eighth egg that had pipped. It had a wide crack in the egg, and the membrane was heaving -- it seemed like that last chick was worn out but trying. At certain points during the day, Sue had been pecking at the crack in the egg to help. It became a wider crack, and the other chicks gathered around and peeped, as well as Sue making encouraging clucks. Being as the odds of a successful hatch continuing into a third day were uncertain, I wasn't sure what would happen overnight. Right after I observed the hatched chicks peeping around the final egg, Sue extended her wing to protect the final egg and the chicks. I know humans aren't supposed to help struggling chicks, but it seemed like Sue and the babies were working hard to open the egg and communicate. Monday morning came, I wasn't sure what to expect, and the chicks were hiding and keeping warm, but there was a cracked egg pushed out of the nest box, a good sign, and no bodies. Tuesday I got a good head count. All eight were hatched! The last chick had been sheltered on Monday and allowed to dry off and gather strength. Photos show the eight chicks and then a better photo, seven in frame, of them looking at Sue. Is this commonplace, for a momma hen to work hard on the final hatchling? [link] [comments] |
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