4/10 Updates:
Hatch day is Friday, but that won't stop me expecting babies all day tomorrow. Ugh! The hardest part is not leaving Daisy alone but I never lift her during the last few days. As a kid we had a broody that squished a few babies partway hatched and I always blamed my elder sister's nosiness, haha. Anyway, she got a little boiled egg-yolk since I doubt she'll get up much on her own this far in. Good luck, Daisy!!
Meanwhile, Peppa might have caught the broody bug:
This impressive display was accompanied by fearsome squeaks and attempted growls. Her voice is nothing to Daisy's but I give her at least 8/10 on her angry basketball impression. Debating what eggs to give her if she spends the night here, after all... This is not the first indication I've had of her motherhood aspirations, but it's the hardest she's tried to convince me for sure!
Since I haven't introduced the "bonus flock" yet, now seems as good a time as any to do so:
The boy is Yorvir's hatchmate, and at least half-brother, who I raised myself. Quite similar at a glance, but blonder in the hackles and with a much fuller chest. He's had a rough winter (part of the reason I'm now full owner of this flock, too) and has lost much of his handsome comb. He was also roughed up in a fight with the other flock rooster so has had head and neck trimming to remove clots and debris. Needless to say this group could use an entirely different setup, but it's going to take time and money to get them ready for a permanent coop and run. The hens are just one year, all black sex links or barred rocks, and lay like crazy. We're drowning in eggs.
The main flock and its constituents are all well, with a few minor health issues I'm either watching or planning treatment for. Rusty could use a scaley leg mite treatment as well as Chicken Jane, and Yorvir is getting over something that made him sneeze and crow hoarsely. Presumed diagnosis was either a canker or wet pox, but no one else has caught anything and he's almost fully recovered.
Chicken Jane being a cutiepie.
She's single-handedly changed my entire opinion of pure Leghorns. Once the stranger/invader, then the timid adoptee, and now the inquisitive little lady that will hop up to see what you're doing/if you have a treat. She'll happily sit next to you for a long preening session just to enjoy your company.
Blue grew into quite a little lady and is laying, like her faster hatchmate, Chara:
Here's Chara for comparison:
They both seem to be regular layers and have really bonded with Yorvir, who is always happy to court them. The rest of the hens still express misgivings from time to time, but not these two!
Yorvir, looking like he could use a fresh set of feathers:
Rusty and his girls, including Puffy Muffin, his daughter:
Yuri, who almost never lets me get a good picture, deciding I'm too sus to accept a clover from:
I've been really busy, so it was nice to finally get to spend a little time really enjoying their company today. They all have such personality and bring something special to the yard.
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