Quickwitter

Broody Brahma Mama

I have had the distinct pleasure of having three of my 12 hens go broody all at the same time. So, although I already bought chicks, these hormonally possessed hens have each been given 10 eggs to hatch. We’ll see how it goes. The Cornish was initially stealing eggs from the Cochin and rolling them into her nest. I have no idea whether or not those will be viable. This hen, my favorite Brahma, is a SERIOUS mama-to-be. She’s been awesome so far. The eggs are Astralorp, Golden Sex Link and Black Sex Link. Fingers crossed that some of the eggs hatch. I haven’t been around hatching eggs since 2nd grade. :) With any luck we’ll see chicks June 11-13. Squeeeeeee!

Danish Brown Leghorn - 4 weeks

This is a Danish Brown Leghorn, considered by some to be the most beautiful breed of chicken, you wouldn’t think so from this photo. I think that chicks reach their full gangly teen potential at about 4 weeks. They are busy losing their down and replacing it with feathers, and little eating machines that are growing like weeds. SO they look ratty and their feet are too big and they are starting to sprout combs and waddles. So, here’s a chick only a mother could love.

A TOUGH DAY ON THE MICRO-FARM

Here’s our Ameracauna hen Orange Blossom, so named by Kevin’s seven year old niece, Ivana. Orange Blossom died today at about 7 months old. Sadly, she wasn’t built properly for egg-laying and there really wasn’t anything that could be done to help her. She laid large, beautiful, blue eggs that were just too big for her body to handle.

She was a really beautiful, if somewhat flighty bird. The bird beside her is Mrs. Bossypants, they were raised together and an inseparable pair. Bossypants stayed with her until the end. RIP Orange Blossom, you will be missed. ©Qdesign/Laura Quick

KITCHEN ORCHID
© Laura Quick

This orchid has been blooming in the kitchen window since before Thanksgiving. The light was pretty this afternoon when I walked by.

AFTERNOON DUST BATH
Colinus virginianus
© Laura Quick

Nothing makes our resident quail happier than the delivery of a big bucket of dirt. They spread it around with their feet, then roll around in it for awhile before napping -  with estatic smiles on their little birdie faces

Detail of the Mucha Window at St. Vitus Cathedral in Prague, The Czech Republic

This is one of my pics.