Collette has just laid an egg. Hens tend to do most of their egg laying in the morning and early afternoon. Is she a sitter or a walker? After laying an egg, hens often shift the egg into position with their beaks. Then they either sit down to spend some bonding time with the egg, or they walk away. This morning, Collette was a walker.

In the nest next to her, Buttercup is sitting on her eggs. In about two more weeks, she should have a clutch of chicks to tend. She seems annoyed that I’m taking her picture this morning. She’d probably be pissed if she knew I was going to post her photo online. Is it animal cruelty to post photos of animals online without getting their permission? The more technical we become, the more moral dilemmas we have to slice.

A tiny egg was a pleasant surprise this afternoon. The tiny egg means a young hen laid her first egg. These baby new eggs are always fun to find. It doesn’t take long before young hens lay full size eggs, which makes these tiny eggs special.

On a rainy day, the covered chicken yard is a dry place to be. It’s a chance for the hens to gossip and get caught up with what is happening. Though I think that Midge on the right has had enough of Coulette’s tales. Buttercup below is incubating eggs. See how fluffed up she is? When hens incubate eggs, they spread their bodies out. It’s a clear sign that they have gone broody and are not just laying an egg.

Chickens are so full of personality. They have the brightest eyes and are curious about everything. They all deserve to live carefree lives, enjoying the outdoors, eating grass, gorging on cherry blossom petals, scratching for worms, running about, chasing field mice, and having affairs.