Brooder Break-In!
I was just sitting here, at my desk, minding my own business, reading a thread on BYC, when suddenly, I heard the unmistakable sound of a chick in distress! I leap up from my chair, my laptop almost falling to the floor. I ran to the door, and rushed to the back porch, where an enormous wooden brooder box sat. But the door was open, and the free-ranging chickens were in the brooder and the juvenile chicks were scattered around the yard, peeping frantically. Some were being pecked by mean hens, a rooster was chasing a chick, and the remaining few were fleeing right towards the dog pen. Luckily, my sister comes outside, having heard the commotion, and instantly took action. She caught the chicks that were being attacked by the mean chickens, while I caught the ones headed for the do pen. But wait! We're still missing one. I hear a soft peep sound from under the lawnmower. The last little chick was found. But... was he okay? After getting a full inspection, he is pronounced fine and returned to the brooder with his brothers and sisters! All's well in the brooder, and I am still shaking from the experience!
I was just sitting here, at my desk, minding my own business, reading a thread on BYC, when suddenly, I heard the unmistakable sound of a chick in distress! I leap up from my chair, my laptop almost falling to the floor. I ran to the door, and rushed to the back porch, where an enormous wooden brooder box sat. But the door was open, and the free-ranging chickens were in the brooder and the juvenile chicks were scattered around the yard, peeping frantically. Some were being pecked by mean hens, a rooster was chasing a chick, and the remaining few were fleeing right towards the dog pen. Luckily, my sister comes outside, having heard the commotion, and instantly took action. She caught the chicks that were being attacked by the mean chickens, while I caught the ones headed for the do pen. But wait! We're still missing one. I hear a soft peep sound from under the lawnmower. The last little chick was found. But... was he okay? After getting a full inspection, he is pronounced fine and returned to the brooder with his brothers and sisters! All's well in the brooder, and I am still shaking from the experience!