Thursday, July 18, 2013

Our Junior Chicas

These are the ones I am calling the Juniors. They are chicks, but they are not the young puff-ball sized babies that are too adorable for words. Not within their earshot, of course, I have to say chicks quickly reach a stage best described as awkward. Also: ungainly, goofy, funny-looking, and in-between. They have some down. They have some feathers. They still have pip-cheep voices, and need tender care, but they are heartier. They are emerging.

Guess what...

Yup. Chicken butt. It's really hard to get a good picture. Well, not really "difficult." It takes patience, and a willingness to take a lot of pictures that don't work, like this one.

These three are easy to tell apart. And so it was easy to decide that we would name them, and the inspiration for their names? See if you can guess...

This golden darling is a Buff Oprington, and we are calling her Lilikoi.

This little beauty is named Koa. She is an Ameraucana.

Pele has been more elusive, camera shy. She, too, is an Ameraucana.

So, inspired by our trip, our three Junior chicas have Hawaiian names. And we really, really, sincerely hope they are each wahine-hens!

Our Silky-Bantam sisters, Little Debbie and Penny, were out for an evening stroll, too. So were Kamen, and Shebot.

I couldn't be sure the hens noticed the Juniors. But we were vigilant on this the first outing for our little chicas.

And the little chicas were as happy as chicks in the dirt. At first they were reluctant and uncertain. Maria and I played mother hens, even demonstrating ground scratching motions with our fingers. Little by little Lilikoi, Koa, and Pele darted out from their shelter. Then pecking began, followed by scratching. The grand moment came when Pele threw herself to the ground and gave herself a rigorous dust bath. How do they know? We've raised chicks from feed stores, and we've had hens hatch and raise their own. Mother hens teach their babes so much, and are very attentive. So, how do these little girls know what to do... never mind our "mothering?" It never ceases to amaze us. We passed a long and happy time watching them enjoy their outing.

And then something happened...

Penny sauntered in, and came face to face with the Juniors. After Penny's initial approach, everyone stood very still. And very calm. I don't think Kamen, or Shebot, would have been satisfied to have a friendly look. Those two are territorial and bossy. But Penny seemed merely curious.

And Lilikoi was curious, too. And everyone played nice.

Malcolm rabbit was a house rabbit in his former life, then he spent a long time at a shelter. Now he is a free ranging bunn, content and secure, and well acquainted with goats and chickens. He came forward, too.

He had such a quizzical expression... but Junior chicks, awkward looking as they are, do give one pause.
Don't worry, Malcolm, these Junior chicas have all the makings to grow into fine feathered hens. They'll be sweet tempered beauties, with all the smarts they'll need to live interesting lives.

4 comments:

warren said...

The city just updated out ordinance to allow chickens in the city...I am so excited! The 5 minute chicken book is going to be very helpful!

judy in ky said...

I love your understanding and care for the animals. It's wonderful to see them there.

Natalie, the Chickenblogger said...

Thank you, Judy. I learn more, every day!

Natalie, the Chickenblogger said...

WooHoo!!!!
Seriously good news.