There are actually still three chicks but only two are in this picture. They are fine and healthy-looking, curious and completely adorable. This morning one other egg looked to be hatching but this afternoon I cannot find it. Now. Did Darla kick the egg into the straw below and I just haven't found it or did she eat the egg? Did she know that it was not going to successfully hatch? Do those eggs have a smell about them? Who knows? I have read that this is possible and before you judge chicken cannibalism, remember- protein is protein. A mother cat or dog will eat the placentas that come with her babies. This makes a great deal of sense to me. Would I eat my placentas?
No. But then again, I have never suffered from caloric deprivation except for the times I was trying to lose weight and that was a very different situation.
I've moved the eggs, the three young'uns, Darla, the water and the food down to the floor of the hen house and sort of blocked it in with a crate and a bale of straw which isn't going to prevent any egress or access. But I didn't want those babies falling out of the nest they were in. It's about four feet off the ground.
I hope I'm not fucking up everything.
I'm thinking that it's possible that those three chicks are going to be the only ones I get from Darla's hatch. She seems to be done with that part of the process. But we shall see.
So this morning Mr. Moon and I were discussing the trip he's going to be taking tomorrow up to Alabama to bass fish with some friends. They have a cabin on a lake up there and I know he's going to have a good time. He said that he'd like a snack bag to take with him and I asked him what he wanted in it.
He sort of looked around the kitchen like maybe he'd see what he was thinking about and said most sweetly, "Cookies would be nice."
I immediately realized that he was actually asking me to bake some cookies and I laughed and then said, "Oreos or fig Newtons?"
We both laughed so hard we snorted.
Maybe you had to be there.
So I have made him cookies, of course. His favorite- the oatmeal/raisin/chocolate chip/pecan cookies. The ones that will sustain life with nothing more than water. For awhile at least.
And we both went to town today, in separate cars. He took mine for an oil change and I drove his. We met up at an Indian restaurant for Jessie's little family birthday lunch. Vergil was there and Hank and Rachel, May, and our friend Liz Sparks who was with me when Jessie was born and who is officially Ain't Liz around here. Lily had to work which sucks but such is life.
None of us took one picture which is odd. But it was nice, just sitting around on the patio of the restaurant, eating our delicious foods and talking and laughing. Jessie did post some pictures they'd taken on the river yesterday and I am stealing a few.
Look how beautiful the Wacissa is!
If I am not mistaken, this is the part of the river called The Blue Hole, which is probably one of the spring areas. It is endlessly deep and the water is clear and cold and gorgeous.
Here's August paddling away. He's been kayaking with his mom and dad since he was an infant. He's already a far finer paddler than I am.
So that's been my day today with pictures from yesterday and for some reason I'm exhausted. I stopped by Costco and Publix and that could explain some of it. I just do not tolerate crowds or stimulus (stimuli?) very well these days. In Costco I had to force myself to pull my mind back to where it needed to be. It wanted to float off, leaving me stranded in the area between the bakery and the fish and we cannot have that. But I am home now, looking out at my very, very green backyard, watching birds at the feeder, listening to the chatter-songs of so many different varieties. My husband will be gone from tomorrow until Friday and I will have the peaceful solitude that my soul craves, even as I know I will miss him.
Oh my. I see Darla in front of the hen house with her babies. They are learning to scratch, I suppose. It's just so insane that a two-day old chicken can already scratch in the dirt in search of bugs, and know to eat them. And yet, they most certainly can.
Again I say- I hope I haven't fucked up.
If I have, it certainly would not be the first time. Not even the first time today. Trust me.
Chickens may know how to scratch, but humans know how to fuck up.
Chickens may know how to scratch, but humans know how to fuck up.
At least that's my own experience and observation.
Love...Ms. Moon
I think the chicks will be just fine. If you consider that day old chicks are plopped into a cardboard box and shipped by mail across the country and then adapt to living wherever they land on delivery, chicks are remarkably hardy!
ReplyDeleteIt's more the predators that could get to the babies that I worry about. But I know that the mama is very protective and watchful.
DeleteMy mom, who had a lot of children and also when we were in the country, chickens, never failed to marvel at the helplessness of the human baby. "Even a new chick can peck!" she'd say.
ReplyDeleteSo true- but a human baby sure can suckle!
Delete3 chicks is perfect and Darla will take good care of them! You haven't messed up....... she will take over. I'm sure Mr Moon will enjoy his cookies, and you.....your solo time....... and all will be well in Lloyd at Mer's house
ReplyDeleteSusan M
I, too, think that three is plenty. At least I can't possibly get more than three roosters- at least from this hatch!
DeleteOh, those oatmeal, raisin, pecan cookies, hold the chocolate chips. They overpower all the other flavors of the cookie, which are rich, deep and satisfying. In my opinion. Like some cats don't like catnip, I don't like chocolate. But Mr. Moon is happy and that is good.
ReplyDeleteI think the chickens will be just fine. I love the river photos and August paddling so well!
ReplyDeleteThose boys are going to be river rats and mountain goats. I love it! I think the chickens will be fine too.
DeleteIt sounds like the chickens are doing great! That guy behind August seems to be checking out his paddling technique. Hope you enjoy your alone time this week.
ReplyDeleteThat was one of the dads in the group. They all watch out for each other. It's been a lovely day today!
DeleteYou have had several busy days so you deserve to relax while Mr. Moon is on his fishing trip. Did you save some of the cookies for yourself? Sounds like a wonderful treat!
ReplyDeleteI did not save any cookies! I have no idea why. They are pretty good cookies.
DeleteOh my, those chicks make me want to get chickens - but nah, too much work to keep them safe for me. But aren't your own chicks just so beautiful on the water!!! Those really are the moments of pure joy!
ReplyDeleteIt's just like looking at kittens and thinking you MUST have one and then they grow up to be cats. Which of course I love but still- babies are just too cute. Isn't that picture of Jessie just gorgeous?
DeleteWhat wee cuties! Wish I could figure out why blogger won’t let me comment under my google credentials.
ReplyDeleteXoxo
Barbara
I have no idea. I'm so sorry.
Deletego to google, type in google sign in page and access your account there, sign in again (even though you may already be signed in, do it anyway) and all should be well after that. I had to do it all this afternoon and I'm back to normal now.
DeleteThose Chicks are adorable and I hope they thrive and grow into fine strong Hens and Roosters. How long before you know which gender they are?
ReplyDeleteand how do you tell which are hens and which are roosters?
ReplyDeleteHow capable Austin looks! How beautiful Jessie is in that sparkling water!
ReplyDelete