Since we do NOT have a rooster (therefore our hens' eggs do not get fertilized) we had to get eggs from someone else that did have a rooster. Thankfully my friend Tammi was willing to part with some of her viable eggs from her flock.
One of our Barred Rock Hens has been broody (meaning she wants to hatch and raise chicks) for awhile, so all I did was place 6 of Tammi's eggs in a nest in the coop. Momma Rock immediately took on the job.
She sat and sat and sat, for about 20 days. Even through a few weeks of a heat spell, she did not leave her nest for a break.
Her hard work paid off, though we can see the toll it took on her appearance. She plucked out some of her breast feathers to keep the eggs closer to her skin and warm. Her comb (the fleshy red piece on her head) is shriveled and has lost some color. I am assuming this has to do with hormones and that she didn't eat and drink.
The sacrifice of a Mom.
Today they left the nest and coop for the first time, and it makes me nervous. We have cats roaming around and so many other potential chick hazards. So far they are peaceful.
And the kids cannot get enough of them, little man especially.
Baby girl demands to dress herself in big sister's dresses EVERY.DAY.
Lastly, if interested in a recommendation for a children's hen and egg story, we vote this one as our favorite. (And we have read a lot).
Egg Story by Anca Hariton
It has beautiful illustrations and does an excellent job teaching about what goes on inside the egg.
For now enjoying these warm August days, a full vegetable garden and more sweet little details. :)
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