Chicks at Last!

Our first sighting of 2011 chicks appeared in late June.

So far this year we have not seen young chicks about the farm. After last year's steady stream of new broods following Kimberly, one of our few named hens, we found the absence of chicks unusual. Aside from the intense periods of heat we have had, I cannot imagine what has changed for the hens. In fact, we have a good four or five broody hens this season. "Broody" refers to a hen who dedicates her days to incubating a clutch of eggs, nurturing a new brood of soon-to-be hatchlings.

This afternoon I finally spied one of last year's hens hiding an interesting assortment of chicks in the green growth just outside the barn. The chicks are differently colored and patterned, making a pretty brood beside their guardian mama hen.

My only concern for this new brood is their lack of safe hiding places. Since a recent storm dropped trees across the home pasture fences, the dogs and goats can readily travel into and out of the home pasture at will--making the pasture a less than entirely safe space for new chicks. Our youngest livestock guardian, Biscuit, truly appreciates the flavor of fresh chicken. Since he's responsible for the home pasture these days, the only place mama hen can hide her brood from him is inside the barn--not a place for raising young chicks when fresh air, sunshine, greens and bugs beckon just outside in the pasture.

Good luck, mama hen. You're going to need it to raise this brood to adolescence.