Broody Soup

Let us begin with reality: I am no chicken expert.  Far from it, as we have had chickens for less than a year.

I do know that something is up with Soup.

Soup is Stew's "big" sister.  (Remember Stew?  She of the traumatized life?)  Whether they are actually sisters, I don't know, but they are our two grey rescue hens.  As the larger and less abused of the two, Soup has remained in the white whale.

See the pile of food next to her?  Probably ridiculous, but I know she didn't eat yesterday

 Yesterday, when I came out to open the coops, feed, water, and check for eggs, I discovered Soup cowering in one of our nesting boxes.  And not quite growling, but making noise and simultaneously trying to avoid my notice.  I thought she was in the middle of laying an egg, so I went on my merry way.

Ooh, the stink eye!

 When I returned for midday egg check and afternoon feeding, she was still huddled in the nesting box. I don't think she's sick; I'm fairly confident this little biddy is broody.  I should have James check if she has any eggs under her (On a side note:  I do lots of care for my animals, but when it comes to touching them, dead or alive, that is my job only in emergency.  I just don't "do" touching animals.).  I may sneak a few under her today, with gloves on, so she has a few chances at hatching chicks.

Daddy Rooster, Mild

Mid-March chicks would be a lovely spring treat for us.  Then again, she might be dying.  (Probably not, but let's keep it real about life and my ignorance!)

Until next time, remember, this is not paradise.  It's Purgatory Ranch.