Dave is a Dad

When I went into the coop Monday afternoon to do chicken chores, I thought I heard a faint peep coming from one of the nesting boxes. None of the broody hens would volunteer any further information, however. I figured that if there were a chick, I’d find out about it eventually.

On Tuesday, I could hear peeping as soon as I opened the coop door. Sure enough, the broody Buff Orpington hen had a chick with her:

She has been sitting on four or five eggs (and a golf ball), and of all the hens, she has acted the broodiest. That is not surprising as the Buffs are the only reliable broody hens I’ve ever had.

She’s still setting, which makes me think that perhaps another egg might hatch. In the meantime, I put some food and water in with her, and she gratefully hoovered it down.

I had to institute a rule this year that I am the only person allowed to be in charge of broody hens. One of us—the one who has never gestated a mini-me, let alone two—does not have the patience required to allow broody hens to set. He thinks that if a hen gets off the nest to get some food and a drink of water, it has abandoned its eggs and he should collect them. The hen hasn’t abandoned its eggs. It was hungry and thirsty. But I know this is killing him. A few days ago, he came in from the coop and said, “Did you know there are like three dozen eggs out there?”

Yes, yes I do. I know how exactly how many eggs are out there. I know which eggs I should bring in. I know which eggs I should leave because a hen is setting on them. I know precisely how long the hens have been parked on top of eggs. Everything is under control.

This chick has a dark spot on its head, which bodes well that it is probably a pullet. Thank goodness. We certainly don’t need any more roosters here.

I’ve still got a broody Barred Rock, who took over for a broody Leghorn (yeah, I didn’t think that would last), and a broody Light Brahma. The Barred Rock looks fairly committed. We’ll find out.

Dave is thus far unimpressed by his accomplishment.

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We went from 92 with a hot, dry wind on Monday afternoon to 55 with a cool breeze and showers on Tuesday afternoon. I’m sure you know which I prefer. If it weren’t for the fact that I still have to get tomatoes in and processed, I’d be fine with the cooler weather from here on out. At least digging potatoes will be more pleasant now that temps have moderated.

I really need to get started on the fall wardrobe, though. Serger class is tonight, and once that is over, I can get back to making a few key pieces. I also pulled some fabric to make a few more items for the sale next month. Tomorrow is supposed to be dry and cool and will be a garden work day. Saturday is supposed to be cool and rainy. I have a Zoom conference to attend in the morning, but the afternoon may end up being a marathon cutting session.