A temple in Taipei was in for an unexpected surprise after discovering that several hens had turned its main incense burner into their very own nesting spot.
According to Chinese media, three hens had been taking turns using the burner to lay and hatch their eggs, despite the high temperatures.
Three hens turn temple incense burner into their “maternity ward”
One of the hens would reportedly stay behind to incubate the eggs while the other two stood guard beside the incense burner to protect them.
Worshippers praised the hens as a “true example of a mother’s strength“, as they continued to stay in their spots to protect their eggs despite having their feathers singed and covered in ash.
Due to their constant exposure to the incense smoke and ash, their tail feathers and once-white plumage have also turned a yellowish-beige colour.
A total of 15 chicks have been hatched!
Meanwhile, the village chief said the temple first received the royal chickens more than three years ago, with the hens currently laying and incubating eggs being from the second generation.
Earlier this year, the hens apparently took a liking to the temple’s incense burner and started using it as their own “maternity ward”. Since Chinese New Year, they have successfully hatched a total of 15 chicks.
The village chief added that the hens usually pick a corner of the incense burner to incubate their eggs, while worshippers also make an effort to avoid the area when placing joss sticks.
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