I try not to let this happen. I check all the places where a mother hen might hide her eggs and pull them regularly. This mom found a good hiding place, probably up high, and hatched seven little chicks. I heard the familiar peeps when I opened the door yesterday and there they were. Mom did a great job of keeping them warm, but how to feed and water newborn chicks in a barn with sheep and goats are running hither and yon? I decided to let nature take it's course and she got them through the night okay. Today when we were chasing Spikey around after yet another escape I noticed the mom had brought the brood out into the middle of the barn where the chaos was happening. What was she thinking? I found a suitable cage but newborn chicks can wiggle through the smallest wire. I was able to find a box to fit snugly inside the cage. Matt helped me catch the family, not an easy task with a panicky mother hen alternately trying to escape and attack us. Now they are warm and protected with food and water until I can find a better cage. There is always something. The world would be a better place if all mothers were as determined and protective as mother hens. Motherhood prevails.
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