Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Who needs an incubator?

I couldn't hatch chicks in an incubator but my australorp hen did a fantastic job of hatching 5 little chicks so far.  I thought they weren't due to hatch till tomorrow.  Maybe the last two eggs in her nest will hatch yet.
We have friends visiting from St. Louis and the wife, Kathy, has been helping me with my chores.  She's become a great poop scooper, goat consoler, turkey handler and egg collector.  She even does my dishes.  I wish I could keep her.  She knew I had a broody hen and asked if I had checked on them this afternoon.  I'm glad she suggested it because when I opened the garage door where I had the hen nesting there were 3 adorable little chicks staring from the nest.  The hen was hiding behind some hay bales protecting 2 more chicks.  When I went to snap a picture of them the mother hen screamed at me.  She's taking her job very seriously.  See how adorable they are?  I don't know what I'm going to do with them yet but I'm pretty excited about the new arrivals.  My female duck is now protecting eggs so I don't take them.  I hope she hatches them.

2 comments:

  1. WOW!!!!! She did it. Funny how it is a natural thing that happens all the time but you don't think about how much is involved in the process. We think everything is instinct and done. So much is learned from trial and error and alot of effort--setting up a nest, learning to catch bugs, learning to fly, learning to crow. It is truly amazing to watch and a bit exhausting don't you think?

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  2. Wow, amazing. 6 sheep and a llama said it all. I'm tired just thinking about it! Miss you Karen. XXOO LO

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