Well, the saga continues with Mama Jasmine and Little One. It has been so wonderful to be able to watch this pair as Little One grows up. I’m so, so lucky.
Each evening since my post last week, I have found Jasmine in the red coop. That first night she was up on the roost with the other ladies. But in the following days she’s been on the floor or on top of the nesting boxes, looking a bit confused. I took this as a sign that she wasn’t TOTALLY committed to leaving Little One to fend for herself at night.
Little One progressed from frantically cheeping while wandering around alone outside to making her way back into the yellow coop where she grew up. The past couple of nights I’ve found her there, still cheeping like crazy but eating and hopping in and out of her nesting box. Confused, just like mama.
Each night, I’ve continued to gently scoop up Jasmine and take her to the yellow coop nursery to be with her baby. And each night she has walked right into the nesting box with Little One close behind her.
Last night was different. Jasmine was again up on the roost in the red coop, looking very comfortable and happy, not to mention sleepy. Over in the yellow coop, Little One was on top of her nesting box—the first time I found her attempting to roost for the night.
She looked so brave there, all by herself.
Growing up is hard to do.
While it seemed all the signs pointed to this being the first night she would spend the night alone, I was maybe not as brave as Little One. Perhaps there was a way I could make her feel a little better? I had something in the house that might work.
Introducing…surrogate mama!
She was a little uncertain at first…
But got comfortable right away!
I felt much better. And I think she did, too! 🙂
(Thanks to Beth Holloway for giving me surrogate mom last year—who knew she would be so helpful?)
**Shared at Maple Hill Hop, Simple Saturdays, From The Farm, Homestead Hop and Our Simple Homestead**
That is the sweetest thing ever!
How adorable!
I’m so glad you gave her the surrogate! What relief to see her sitting on top of it! Chickens are the best!
Oh wow, that’s too dang cute, laughing here!!!
Nancy @ Little Homestead in Boise recently posted…The Road Trip That Almost Wasn’t, New Recycled Garden Fence & Decor, More Thrifting! Fermented Pickles
I have never really thought much about chickens but this storyline has intrigued me. Thanks for sharing. I would love to see this posted at the Snickerdoodle Sunday Linky Party/ I hope to see you there. The party starts at 3PM on Saturday.
Maria@SewTravelInspired recently posted…Sacramento’s Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament Is Stunning!
I always feel bad when I have chicks without a mother. I have 35 coming this week so I should start looking for a surrogate now. It would be nice if some of my Silkie hens stepped in to raise the chicks but as is unusual for the breed, not one of them is broody at the moment. I need a stuffed surrogate!
Robin Follette recently posted…Writing Retreat – Pyramid Life Center
What a hoot! And it looks like it did the trick. So sweet. Thank you for sharing on this week’s Maple Hill Hop!
daisy recently posted…The Maple Hill Hop 91
What an adorable shot! I do hope she is more comfortable than she looks!
bettyl – NZ recently posted…Waingongoro River dam
Ha! She wasn’t too sure at first, that’s for sure 🙂