Niki and Geoff got me a dozen fertilised eggs from Roger (whom I have never met). Not because I needed more hens (# currently 14) but because watching a hen sit on eggs, hatch and rear chicks is a wonderful thing of which I haven't yet tired.
I moved Amber Hen from the 'big house' laying box where she was brooding to the A-frame and put the eggs under her. And she sat ... and sat ... and sat ... Twenty-one days with brief breaks to peck, poo and preen.
Then...
And...
A world full of puzzlement...
... and wonder
Amber Hen is a ferociously protective mother of her five hatched chicks. My greatest delight is watching her teach them to peck. Despite the fact that she has eaten little in nearly a month, she pecks at the food and drops it, modelling the process and presenting the food for her chicks, putting their needs above hers, as do most mums.
Wonderful :-)
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aw AJ, they're just beautiful. I could give each and every one a peck on their beak :> XX
ReplyDeleteoh oh oh---wonderful indeed---Amber Hen's feathers are gems to be sure---and the babes, the babes---be still my heart---so, do you mean Amber Hen did not lay these eggs, but took them on as her own when you gave her the responsibility? Be still my heart again.
ReplyDeleteMoe and I watched a globetrekker edition on New Zealand this weekend---stunning beauty---moving NZ right to the top of my list of places to visit---the Milford Track---omg----
I will pass on the peck Niki (as I am unplugging the other end!!).
ReplyDeleteYes Debby, they're not Amber chicks. It seems that instinct to care trumps ownership!
There are beautiful long and short walks in the South Island. I haven't done the Milford but have done the Heaphy and Abel Tasman and St James (in my youth!!!).
Mind you I sometimes worry that NZ is presented as this amazing destination - and that visitors may be disappointed in the reality. Though I think it is special. When you come to plan a visit, Niki and I can help with suggestions of places to go :-))
I'll take you up on that when the time comes---for the record, it will be very long time till the bank account allows such a trip---don't hold your breath just yet---
ReplyDeleteI think your worries are for naught---friends return from NZ visits entranced--
That is a very beautiful hen :) We have a pair of lambs (one orphan and one that was too unwell to stay with its mum). They are both feeding well now- enthusiastic suckers :) Afterwards they jump about on the lawn in a most beguiling manner. Spring!
ReplyDeleteHi Rob. Hen is looking a whole lot better now that she is eating/preening/dust-bathing. Lost one chick :-( other 4 are full of it - like the lambs :-)
ReplyDeleteTime for a picture update please Jane :o}>
ReplyDelete