Well. I found Violet. And also all of the eggs.
She's in the little tractor coop which is in the big coop and has been this whole time and I feel so stupid. I swear I thought I checked in there but obviously, I certainly did not.
And also obviously, some of the other chickens have been laying in there because those green eggs are Camillia's and the full-sized ones are not hers either.
Good Lord.
Poor little thing. Hormones and instinct are causing her to do this but she doesn't have enough sense to know that she can't cover all those eggs. But at least she's setting where there's food and water and it's a safe place and also, on the ground so that if some do hatch, they will be in no danger of falling. I want to put some more hay in there for warmth but I'm a little bit worried that if I interfere with her at all she'll freak and run.
It takes about 21 days after she starts sitting on them for them to hatch. I wonder if any of them will?
All these years of chicken tending and I really don't know much about broody hens and their hatching abilities.
In non-related chicken news, the Lily and Jason family have a terrible stomach virus. Owen had it last weekend and now everyone else but Maggie has it. Lily reports it is truly hell and they want to die.
I'm pretty sure she's not kidding.
This is not turning out to be a great spring break.
You know what? All I have to say is the most absolute and sincere bless our hearts that I have in me.
All of our hearts from hens' hearts to humans' hearts.
Love...Ms. Moon
It will be exciting if she manages to hatch a few chicks! I'll be eagerly awaiting updates! :)
ReplyDeleteI hope Lily and her family feel better soon.
I bet she'll manage to get a few cracking those eggshells. This is tremendously exciting for me.
DeleteUgh on the stomach virus. What a fucking nightmare.
ReplyDeleteThat poor family cannot catch a break. And it's the boys' spring vacation!
DeleteI forget about things like how often someone in our house was sick when my kids little. Now I just have my clients. Washing my hands dozens of times a day and wearing gloves for pretty much all care from pericare to making a bed helps. Luxuries you can't do at home or be expected to.
ReplyDeleteOh, these children are just bags of germs. And they can't help it! I am hoping that Maggie got immunity from Lily's milk. She is still nursing.
DeleteI love that both your grandbabies are still nursing. 💕
DeleteI am so so sorry for Lily and Jason's family. She's had a tough time. I send them love. Those eggs are amazing. There are so many! It would be cool if something hatches. Good luck with that!
ReplyDeleteI know. Lily and Jason have had to go through TOO MUCH! They are so strong.
DeleteThanks for the luck-wishes with the babies. I, too, hope some hatch.
Dear Mary-I watched, in your honor, the latest installment of Rolling Stones lore on Netflix last night. Archival footage with voice-over from the gentlemen. You can certainly ascertain Keith's growly cackle in there.
ReplyDeleteAlso-please watch Chef's Table, Season three, episode 1. Magical and marvelous.
As for Violet. Bless her little pointy head. And the 47 eggs under her. Sheesh. Maybe there's a baby or two that will emerge...
XXXX Beth
What was the name of the film, Beth? You're so sweet to watch in my honor. I hope you enjoyed it.
DeleteChef's Table, eh? Mr. Moon and I watched The Dectectorists and loved it. We're rewatching some Great British Baking Show. But we shall try Chef's Table. Season 3, Episode 1. Writing it down. Thank you.
Oh yes- I want to see what those babies look like!
Rolling Stones:Crossfire Hurricane. And enjoy it I did. Reminded me how out of my 15 year old mind I was the first time I saw them perform. When Mick sang Little Red Rooster while strutting and twirling his suit jacket over his head, I ditched the Beatles and gave myself to the Stones. Completely.
DeleteI think I've seen it! Wouldn't mind watching it again.
DeleteAnd yes- the Beatles were sweetly sexy but the Stones were Sex incarnate.
Sending love to you, and also to Lily and Jason and family. May they all be well again soon.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure they will all be well again soon but I think Lily is going to have some PTSD from the experience.
Deletethat's what happens when you send the kiddies to school. elementary school is the worst with all those kids getting their immune systems developed, sending germs back and forth. glad you found Violet. would have been a big surprise to go out one morning and see a bunch of tiny chicks running around.
ReplyDeleteI was fully expecting to see exactly that! I knew she was sitting on a clutch somewhere.
DeleteThose poor guys. They've had more than their fair share of illnesses. I think the parents work too hard, I wish they could get some rest and recoup some energy :(
ReplyDeleteIronically, Jason has the week off this week.
DeleteSo, is it just a 'chicken thing' that Violet lays away from the regular coop? I just wonder what goes through her mind when she decides to go in there. My son raises chickens (bought as chicks to fatten up and butcher....he and his three kids learned that one should never name an animal because they become un-butcherable) and I love their individual personalities.
ReplyDeleteI believe that chickens have their own intelligence about where to lay their eggs. They are incredibly protective and also, vulnerable.
DeleteSince I don't eat my chickens I am free to name them! And they do very much have their own individual personalities!
Oh, I'm so sorry for Lily and her family. I had that and it was truly nasty. Hoping they all get well quickly. Don't have a clue about Miss Violet though she sure keeps you on your toes...
ReplyDeleteThat one does keep me on my toes for sure!
DeleteThat picture is so cute and also poignant -- that poor bird trying to hatch all those eggs! She certainly is ambitious.
ReplyDeleteSorry about the stomach bug. They've had a couple of episodes of stomachey illness, haven't they? I guess it's a constant risk when there are small kids around.
Yes. Violet is determined and ambitious!
DeleteAnd god yes. Children are just little bags of germs.