Yep. W have chickens celebrating their liberation from 1) hospital Brooder and 2) Baby Brooder. They were pushing for freedom for about a week and we finally gave in yesterday.

These are the four chicks that hatched about six weeks ago. Doesn’t seem like it’s been that long! Their momma was pacing behind the screened in porch that Sue made to let them outside. She tried a few times to jump out the roof when we were changing the food or water. The chicks eventually found a hole to escape through, but it was too small for momma to get out. Sue just decided it was time to set them free! This photo is from this afternoon; Momma is teaching them to forage and they are doing a great job.

In the foreground there is the little Miss Banty that was wounded in the bobcat attack. She has healed really quite well. She almost has all her feathers back, her head it a little bald still, but starting to get covered. I kinda want to call her Sinéad (my peeps of the 80’s will get the reference – well, and Holly). She has been hanging with mom and the chicks and staying close to home – making short little sorties to further parts. We’re hoping that she can make some friends, maybe with Maeve and Long Neck (the Easter-egger that was last in the hospital brooder). They’ve both made some entrées with her yesterday and today. So far, though, Sinéad is quite happy to go back to her little protected nest in the brooder. She’s been regularly laying eggs which tells us she’s fine and healthy.

Lastly, I just wanted to share this little gem. This is what you do when you don’t want to share with anyone – just climb on into the dog water pail, not enough space for anyone else. I just want you to know that there are four separate pools for the ducks and geese, plus two foot baths for hot days. So, why?! Just think it’s funny. You too could watch these antics from the covered back porch with a refreshing adult beverage nearby. Until then, as always~
Thanks for reading!