Chickenlover720
Songster
Our story today begins with one missing chicken. This evening when I went outside to feed and put up my nine chickens, I realized that one of my Barred Rocks was missing. This wasn't too unusual as I often have one or two stragglers around the other side of the house or in the edge of the woods who didn't hear me shaking the food. However, I became concerned when she was no where to be seen even after checking the usual places. I searched through the hay field, in the woods, across the bean field, and still my poor little barred rock was no where in sight. I went back inside for a short while and began my quest once more. I continued shaking the food and calling for her when I finally hear I sqwak in the thick brush near my mother's iris patch. Now this flower patch has been terribly overgrown with raspberry and blackberry briars along with numerous weeds. I begin searching through the brush following her sqwaks and coos. My initial thought was that she was hurt or stuck in the thick briars, but when I finally reached her she was as healthy and happy as could be...while sitting on 18 eggs. Yes, dear friends, I found 18 eggs that my chickens had been hiding from me. I was quite surprised at this discovery and very happy to find my chicken alive and well. I did a float test on all of the eggs and they appear to all be within a week or so old. I suspect this little nest was the reason my egg production has been a little slow lately. I also made sure to have a stern talking to with my girls, but I have a feeling this won't be the last time my mischievous chickens pull a stunt like this. I honestly wouldn't be surprised if I find another hidden nest full of eggs.
