Saturday, May 30, 2009

By Gum, She's done it!

Sure, the last thing we need right now is more chickens, but I am so thrilled for this little family. Two of our five year old Buff Orpington chickens were moved to a "retirement condo" earlier this year. The rooster, let's call him "Brad", was a living in a large group with his son. The younger fellow decided it was time to take over the flock, and was giving the old fellow a devil of a time. His lovely companion, let's call her "Angelina", survived a narrow scrape with a hawk the winter before last. It was fortunate timing, really, I had just stepped out on our porch one morning when I heard an unnatural amount of wing flapping in the Buff's paddock. I ran over, and the hawk was on her back! It flew away when it saw me, and I dashed inside and scooped her up. Bless her heart, she screamed for about a minute straight, as I am sure I would, wow. She had a bad bite on the back of her head, some talon marks, and a bloody eye, but after a few days rest in the "hospital crate" she was ready to return to the flock. Unfortunately, the experience left her with impaired vision in one eye, so she seemed a good choice to keep Brad company.

Now, they've gone and hatched a whole bunch of kids! I have counted five so far, but I am not sure that is all of them. They don't seem to object to my curiosity.

Pa is on his guard, he is constantly watching for any danger. I imagine it will be a nervewracking few weeks for all of us. They are very secure where they are, from everything except snakes! I shall try to stay alert, myself, and keep an ear open for any alarm. Congratulations to these two, and welcome to the world little ones!

2 comments:

ACE said...

Maddox, Pax, Shiloh, Zahara, Knox and Vivienne! ( may have to adopt one in to make the numbers work)

Jane Le Galloudec said...

I love chicken and egg stories! Congratulations to you all!