On Day 20 of our incubation project I opened the door of the broody box to see if Calamity Jane wanted out for a stretch.  As the other chickens rushed in to eat her food and drink her water, CJ half-stood, but said ‘No, thanks’.  What with 5 chickens crowding into her usually serene space, I couldn’t blame her.

When Rocky pecked her on the head I decided to chase out the other chickens and see if CJ would change her mind.  I turned back to ask her and she is reaching for the food from her position on the other side of the nest box.  This causes one wing to lift, and – Baby Chickens – !  Two fuzzy striped Wyandottes and one damp grey Orpington! Cheep cheep cheep!  Cheep!

I can’t remember the last time I was genuinely excited.  I ran into the house, Scott and I ran back out, and we tried to take in the situation.  Some broken eggshells, some baby chickens, and two unhatched eggs.  CJ rolls an egg further under her breast and settles back down on her wee charges.  How does she not squash them?

Although we wanted to pick up the little fuzzballs, we restrained ourselves and left them alone to see what Day 21 will bring…