Yesterday, cleaning out the chicken house, I caught the faint sound of peeping. Maybell, the bantam hen, has been sitting her first brood with typical chicken diligence and ferocity for a few weeks now. Ignoring the sting of her pecks, I reached beneath her and pulled out two eggs. When I held the little jewels up to my ears, I was treated to a stereophonic symphony of chick peeps. What incredibly tender music!
This morning, two tiny fuzzballs, each the size of a walnut, are peering out at me from the shelter of Maybell’s breast feathers. Maybell clucks to them softly, and they peep back. New life. Fresh possibilities. Everyday.
What was your delight today?
What a treat! I have huge regard for chickens. When I had a flock, I had a pair of banties (Tarzan and Jane) and the layers were Rhode Island Reds, Barred Rocks, and Buff Orpingtons. One of the Buffs was the best mother – I could give her day-old turkey fluffs, or ducklings to raise as her own. I also let her hatch some of her own eggs.
Maybell is a beauty. I am always in awe that Nature marches on in spite of us humans.
My thoughts on a sunny, windy HOT & humid day in Ann Arbor, Michigan!
Ah, yes, the simple joys of chickens. I think every yard should have a few. We’d all learn something…
Shout out to Maybell and Bett!
Bett my daughter lives in your neck of the woods, as for me, greetings from Traverse City!
Baby “Peeps”! So nice, what would Da Vinci say?! 🙂
On my mothers farm we had “Bing Crosby” the greatest Rhode Island Red Romancer our county had ever seen! When I was young we got free chicks at K-mart and the feed stores every Easter?! Crazy! 🙂
D.B.
Hmmm, I’m certain DaVinci would love to see those peeps in his dinner dish!
Really?! Maybe he’d just like to pick the door latch on Maybell’s digs?!
Do you think he would have “parent” instincts? What would happen if he had another animal or same species in his zone that needed care? You mentioned their intellect…do you think he’s board?
Maybell on the other hand must feel very satisfied.
D.B.