New Chicks

Ten days ago, Shadow, one of my Black Austrolorp hens, hatched out five chicks. I wanted to try for some olive eggers so when Shadow went broody at the end of June, I transferred her out of the main coop and into the broody house. I placed seven eggs (five green and two brown) under her and then the waiting game began. She broke one of the green eggs after only three days. On July 21st the chicks began to hatch. Three of the green eggs had Americauna/Austrolorp chicks (olive eggers) while the remaining green egg was an Americauna chick. One of the brown eggs is likely to be a brown egg layer and the other was a dud. Unfortunately the Americauna chick didn't make it. Shadow is a very proud mama and the remaining four chicks are healthy and active.

 

Shadow and three of the four chicks peeping out from under her

Maggie loves to watch over the chicks too. Shadow doesn't mind as long as Maggie doesn't get too close.