My 2 Mommies

We're all pretty excited here at the Run! Last night, when Jeff went to close up the coop for the evening, who should pop up their fuzzy little face but our first hatchling! This morning, a second smaller chick was up and peeping and we have suspicions that there's at least one more hatched. We can't tell exactly what's going on in there because this clutch of eggs has not one mommy, but two.

Our little bantam frizzle was the original mommy...she went broody and we put 11 eggs under her, just hoping and praying that it would work out and we'd have some chicks. About 10 days ago, halfway through the incubation period, our full-size Dominique decided to go broody too, and climbed into the nesting box with the frizzle. 2 hens, one 15X15 nest box. We decided that it couldn't hurt anything to let her sit too...we were nervous that the tiny little frizzle wouldn't be able to cover all the babies, so what the heck???

Well, it's working, and they seem to have an interesting arrangement. The chicky-bits are hiding under the frizzle while the Dominique acts like a security guard, tuck-tuck-tucking and pecking at anyone who gets close by. We keep telling Isaac not to get too close or she'll peck his little nose, but I don't think he believes us that these sweet little chickens have become vicious (LOL).

This is such an amazing event for us:

First, just the simple act of creating life out of lifelessness. How awesome is it that you can put an inanimate object in a nest, keep it warm for 21 days and out pops a chick! Yes, I know, it's been going on since the beginning of time, but when it happens right in front of you, it's totally different!

Second, in the adventures of homesteading, so much of what we accomplish is intangible...saving money, cutting back on energy, preventing erosion, avoiding pop culture and commercial interests. All good, but all intangible. To be able to hold something in your hands that you helped to create, something that frees you from the bonds of economic thrall, that is an amazing accomplishment.

Third, hatching eggs is a step backwards. By hatching our own chicks, we're learning a lost skill. How many folks do you know who raise chicks? Now how many of those folks breed their own? You can add us to that list now. In addition to learning a new skill, we also have the opportunity to create a home-based economy. Should the economy go bad, really really bad, we have something that a lot of people may want. Protein.

Anywho, I'm hoping we may be able to get a picture or two this afternoon. We're trying not to disturb the mommies, but it's just so exciting. I'll update you later!