Mama and little Brownie.
Oh, I love having babies around. (Baby chickens, of course.)
Mama Rapunzel and the chicks spent a week in the “nursery” in the shed. I worried about letting them out in the barnyard. They’re still so tiny. Should I err on the side of safety? Or should I open the door and trust the real chicken mama to know what’s right?
Heck, like I know anything. I decided to let her be the boss.
Mama came right out the pop door of the nursery when I opened it, clucking her excitement. Chicks were little bit hesitant, but they listened to their mama.
Come on out here, chickies! Remember the scratch and peck lessons I’ve been giving you? Well, give it a try!
Look Ma! We’re pecking!
They explored the open area of the shed for a while. Then they were ready to head out into the big, bright morning.
WHOA! That’s a big world out there!
Their first exploration of dirt, straw, and poop (well, it IS a barnyard) was interrupted by Jasmine, who has recently become broody. She came over to investigate. OMG. Rapunzel immediately opened a huge can of whup-ass on her. I swear she doubled in size in two seconds and attacked Jasmine, who ran away very quickly.
Do. Not. Come. Closer.
Everyone recovered, and then mama decided it was time for goat introductions. Brandy was close (and napping) so she was first.
Come with me, babies. Let’s go meet Brandy.
Let’s just say Brandy was not overly excited. I don’t think she opened her eyes.
Weird pose, like some kind of ancient Egyptian goat, yes?
They headed off and snugged up against the fence. It was here that mama taught the chicks how to do a dust bath. It was truly the most remarkable thing I’ve ever seen. The chicks started pecking, because that was their last lesson. Mama got down in the dirt and started this new activity punctuated by lots of clucks. Within a minute or two, the bigger chicks were imitating her perfectly. (The baby didn’t have enough feathers to make it work – s/he’s still a ball of fluff!)
Watch me! Fluff your feathers into the dirt just like this.
Then Belle came over to investigate. Another can of whup-ass was opened. Do not invade their space. It will not turn out well.
Get. Away. Now.
On the other hand, she seems to not be worried about the goats at all. Sammy was very curious.
What are those???
That’s close enough!
Sammy then proceeded to follow them around the barnyard for a while.
And some of the hens were allowed access, too.
She got her fluff going, but let Hermione get up close and personal.
The funniest thing was Doink, who seemed to be waiting patiently in the shed for an introduction. He always lies down on his side, but he looked like I had just given him a dog “down and stay” command. He waited and waited. Rapunzel never brought the chicks even close.
Poor Doinkers. He was on his best behavior!
Day one in the barnyard was a big success, and things have been going well since then. I’ve spent a lot of time out there, watching and listening. If you’ve ever had a mama hen, the sounds they make with their chicks will be with you forever. There is so much love, so much trust, so much teaching, so much learning in their clucks and responding peeps. It is mesmerizing and a truly beautiful sound!
(Shared at Backyard Farming Connection, Tuesdays With A Twist, Maple Hill Hop, Homestead Barn Hop, Clever Chicks Hop, Homesteaders Hop, Simple Saturdays, From The Farm Hop, Old-Fashioned Fridays, Little House Friday and HomeAcre Hop)
Thanks for sharing this, Joan! I’m curious about something… going forward will you buy fertilized eggs and stick them under your broody hen, or will you buy day old chicks again, and try to get her to accept them?
Good question Tia! It’s actually a complicated answer.
Currently, broody hen Jasmine is sitting on some fertilized eggs I got from a friend. We’ll see if any hatch 🙂 This late in the spring, I don’t see any baby chicks in the feed stores anymore, so that may not be an option if these don’t hatch.
My goal is to find reputable outlets for fertilized eggs (not something I’ve looked into yet) to be able to get the breed/egg color I want when one of the ladies goes broody. I think I was VERY lucky that Rapunzel took the babies. I’ve had another hen do a total rejection.
I also need to factor in the size of the flock. I’m hoping all the eggs Jasmine is sitting on don’t hatch. I really don’t need five more chicks, but my friend decided that was a good number since she was not totally sure they were all fertile.
Complicated, yes? But so much fun to think about! Hope that somewhat answered your question.
I love this! So far I have had no help from broody hens whatsoever! but hoping that in my present clutch of 16, at least one or two will be prepared to give it a go.
Thank you for sharing – I always love your posts. 🙂
Joan, this post is so sweet! You really do “get” your animals. Those little chicks are so lucky to have you supporting them! Your appreciation of each one of your animals is so clear and inspiring! thanks for sharing your discoveries. Think how many little ones you will prevent from being shipped into unknown territory w/o the comfort of their mom 🙂 thanks, cindy
They are growing like weeds, Cindy! Mama Rapunzel is finally letting them eat treats out of my hand – that took a while 🙂
Okay this post has me smiling from ear to ear. Love what a good mama she is. I bet it is amazing to watch her in action, teaching and loving her babies. I’m bummed I dragged my feet and when i was going to pick up some chicks Minnie decided she didn’t want to be broody anymore. Next time I’ll move faster…
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Yes, a good mama is the key! I’m worried my other broody, Jasmine, who is sitting on five eggs now might not be up to the task. Only time will tell !
Hi, Stopping by from Tuesdays with a twist. You were just above me and I’m a farm girl. Just had to click on your image. I LOVE all your photos and stories with them. Miss being around all the animals, I’m a city girl now. You have brought a smile to my face and blessed me today. Thank you.
Kim Adams Morgan recently posted…Worship and Faith
Glad you enjoyed them, Kim! They make me smile every day, too 🙂
Ha! Our first broody hatch was 8 weeks ago, so the little chicks are mostly feathered out and on their own now after being abandoned by Mama, but I still remember the first (and pretty much only) can of whoop-ass when our Barred Rock, who was at the bottom of the pecking order, came by to pick on the chicks and improve her lot in life. That lasted about three seconds! Ha!
Mike @ Gentleman Homestead recently posted…Companion Planting for Grapes
Mama hens have crazy strong protection instincts, don’t they?