New Kids On The Block

 We haven't had a broody hen for ages. So, when Tillie decided she wanted to be a mom, I was thrilled. I gathered up some eggs, marked the date on them, and put them under Tillie. It was 2 or 3 days before I added the eggs to her nest, so she sat longer than the typical 3-week hatching range. She faithfully sat on the eggs, morning, noon, and evening. Day after day. Hot or cold. Little food. Little water. 

The other hens would weasel their way into her nest and lay their egg, and come evening, I would sort it out and remove it from Tillie's clutch of eggs. 

Finally, the long-awaited day came...Day 21. Hatching day. Baby day. New Mama day.

Nothing. Nada. No little beaks sawing its way around the eggshell. No little peeps. No wet little chick fur.

And, Tillie, just wouldn't give up. I gave the eggs some extra time, just to be sure there would be no chicks forthcoming. Nothing.

How could I look into those sad little Tillie eyes? She had sacrificed time, exercise, nourishment, and sunshine for nearly a month. And now she had nothing.

So, Tractor Supply to the rescue. I bought her 4 chicks: 2 Rhode Island Reds with good egg-laying abilities (200 to 300 eggs per year) and 2  Wellsummers. I've never had Wellsummer hens before. They are dark brown with a golden-brown neck and a deep mahogany face and are pretty good layers (200 year). Their eggs sound gorgeous. They're supposed to be a terracotta red. I can't wait to see them in 4-5 months; I see deviled eggs for Thanksgiving. Apparently they are very noisy--good thing I'm on a farm. 

Both breeds are excellent foragers, which is good because our chickens free-range most of the day--day in and day out--rain, sleet, or snow. Well, actually, they have the choice whether to stay in or go out. Wellsummers are supposed to love the snow.

Today is day three for Tillie and her little family. Farmer Gary completely remodeled the brooder coop, making it 'coon proof, 'possum proof, and yes, even snake proof. So they are getting acquainted with one another and the new digs. Farmer Gary also added a "Chicky cam" which provides safety and entertainment.