Next Generation

The White Mob grown up (at least partially grown), and 2 of the 6 Rhode Island Red chicks I purchased from a neighbor. These Rhodies are as friendly and calm as the whites are standoffish and roamers. It's a fun combination. I usually see a group of the white boys under the trees at the far edge of the "bird area." They mock fight, then one decides to make a run for the sheep shelter. The others flap their wings, assess the danger, then run after the first. Once to the area of relative safety, they strut and scratch and peck.

Mamma Goose

My Toulouse Goose finally made a proper nest instead of laying eggs across the field for the ravens to eat. I had visions of doubling my flock size (I currently have 3 geese). When I finally caught her off the nest I checked, and there is 1 egg, neatly covered in down and then sticks. Well, better one than none, but not the gaggle I had in mind.

Muscovies

The 3 ducklings I bought from my neighbor. It didn't take them long to find every drop of water in the area.

Momma Hen

Another hen good at hiding her eggs. Once chicks appear I try to get the family caged as protection against the many ravens who frequent the farm. A couple hens have eluded me, and are so far successfully protecting their chicks.

I love the ferocity of hens. This one is moments away from attacking me.

Peachicks!

My Peahen made her nest in the woods, well hidden from predators as well as from me. One morning I saw her in tall grass, surrounded by the rest of the Pea-flock. On my way to work, I wasn't able to explore - but that night she quietly walked her brood into the kennel with the young chickens.

The funny looking grey and yellow blob on her back is the duckling hatched out by a hen. After 2 weeks the hen started roosting in the trees again, and I have to herd the duckling down from under the tree into the pen. She seems to have taken to the Peahen - she is climbing onto her back.


Here's the duckling with Momma hen. The black and white rooster (Old English Game Fowl bantam) is guarding. Roosters take on the roll of chick protection once the hens abandon them. It's wonderful to see the big guys (or sometimes little guys) digging up grubs for youngsters.