Empty nests all around but Ruby insists on using the same nest that Jacqueline is using. Hens often have their favorite nests, and if it is in use, it doesn’t matter. The empty nests right next door won’t do. They have to use the nest that’s occupied. The way they squeeze in is interesting to watch. They usually squeeze in very slowly. I’ve seen three hens squeeze in at the same time. It makes me wonder what is wrong with the empty nests? I think that some hens aren’t satisfied with a nest unless it’s in use.

The wind and rains of the last few days have driven many of the cherry blossom petals to the ground. For a brief time every spring, the chickens get to feast on cherry blossom petals as they fall to the ground. The cherry branches aren’t that high. If they wanted, the chickens could fly up into the branches and feast on cherry blossom petals, but they don’t. They wait for them to flutter to the ground.

Next to come are the pear blossom petals, followed by the apple blossom petals, a whole season of sweet petals to enjoy.

The counter is covered with eggs ready for market. Such a variety of colors and shades and shapes and sizes. Every hen is unique. Every egg is unique. Every egg every hen lays is slightly different from the one she laid before. That’s the way nature is. Why make anything twice? Make everything different. Try all possibilities.

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.