Life

[LaurenRitz]

She hatched overnight!

 

[LaurenRitz]

Meet Streak, Trillion, Black Widow, and Smear. Named for the shape of their head spots.

 

[The Moonshiner]

The first one's head spot looks like a cresent moon.
You should name it Moony.

 

[LaurenRitz]

I introduced the four babies to their adoptive mommy, who has been broody for a little under two weeks.

She took them without hesitation, and this morning they're all peeking out through her feathers while she talks to them.

She wasn't paying any attention to me when I approached with the first chick. She hissed and puffed up when I lifted her wing and tucked the baby underneath, then looked around in confusion as it started chirping. Then she started talking to it, still looking confused, and finally looked under herself. Then she squirmed, puffed and purred.

I took out the eggs, tucked the rest of the babies under where the eggs had been, and she was contentedly chuckling when I left the coop.

 

[LaurenRitz]

Thought I'd give an update. Mom and babies are doing great after 3 weeks. She's a great Mom. She's keeping them near the coop so far.