Occasionally, when we find ourselves near the nest, we try to peek in and see if everything is ok. I was near the fenced-in nest area yesterday when I saw what looked like a dead baby bird in the nest. Just one. What had happened??
Tag: Chicks
Update: The Nest In The Grass
Despite our fears that the tiny nest we’d discovered earlier, hidden in tall grass, was abandoned, this morning we found babies!
Mama (and Papa, it seems) have been attending to their new littles, sounding the alarm and trying to lure us away if we get too close. We did have to get close for a few minutes to securely enclose the tiny nest in wire fencing to deter cats and other predators. Interestingly, the chicks were completely silent, just opening their beaks wide when they sensed our presence (their eyes are still closed).
Working quickly, we affixed fencing on top of the fencing that already encircled it. The holes are large enough for Mama to easily fit through, but small enough to keep out larger animals, including curious paws. Once complete, we waited – at a distance – for Mama to return. And she did.
We’ll be rooting for the littles and looking forward to the day when they fly from their nest!
Chick Tales: A Bad Leg And A New Friend
There once was a very small yellow chick that hatched with a leg that turned slightly out to the side. It didn’t know it was smaller or slower than the other chicks, or that it couldn’t run like everyone else. The chick just tried its best to live like all the other chicks, doing the same things, even if it couldn’t quite keep up. This is the story of that little chick…and an unexpected friendship.
Spring Chicks: First Hatch, Done
The first hatch is over, and we have 15 fluffy chicks. As with nearly every hatch, there were highs and lows, but we’re very happy to have a solid start on a new laying flock!
In The Incubator: “Spring Chickens”, Of Course!
The year’s first set of chicken eggs has begun hatching – right on schedule. It’s exciting and nerve-wracking…and it never gets old. With this group of mixed breed chicks, each one will be a surprise!
Continue reading “In The Incubator: “Spring Chickens”, Of Course!”
