chick season

It's chick season again, and the girls were eager, but Andy and I weren't sure we really wanted to add many more to our already healthy flock.  So the girls got lucky with a spectacular business proposition from some friends (raising these little chicks and ducks until they are ready to leave our place and head to a new coop).  Yes, of course, we are keeping a few, how could we not?

So money was carefully counted and readied for the feed store pick up.  A budget was made (this project is a homeschooling parent's dream) and the days were counted until the chicks arrived.

Finally the flock is here!  These little mama hens are taking their new job very seriously.  For the last couple of (early) mornings Andy and I have heard them whispering in their beds.  "Iris are you awake?  C'mon let's go check the chicks".  Then feet pad down the hall and the utility room door creaks open and the daily chick vigil begins.  Iris seems to be the official chick/duck food and water replenisher and pen cleaner, given her cautious nature that leads her to be just a bit timid about handling those wiggly little guys and her hardwired desire for things to be tidy (ahem).  Mae is still the official chicken catcher, because she's rocked at that since she was two and duck poop doesn't scare her.  They make a great team.

We rounded out the weekend with some great sap boiling and tasting, a cookout at Grampy's, and time running barefoot in the mud and sand with friends.  April we are happy you are here!