Red Dirt Farm and Studio

In the night, on December 8th,  Mr. Cottage and I became chicken grandparents.  Our little hen, Daisy only 8 months old herself hatched her first chick.  Daisy was terribly weak and unable to stand or walk because of her 21 days of sitting and not eating or drinking.  I knew I needed to help her out.

 It was bitterly cold outside with temperatures in the teens, I made the decision to bring chick and mom into the house.

 I gave Daisy a bath to clean her feathers, she had poop caked on her butt from sitting in it for so long and I was afraid of infection.  I gave both mom and her chick electrolytes and probiotic.  Treats with lots of protein for Daisy.  We fixed a special spot for them in the house.  For a few hours, a heat lamp was used to help dry Daisy.  Until she was completely dry, she did not let the chick get up under her.  Chicks go under their mom to keep warm and for protection.

 After a few days, Daisy was able to stand and then in a few more to walk about.  It was decided that the chick would be named Winter.

Daisy and baby Winter spent the next two weeks in our house.  Chickens poop A LOT.   So having them in your home is not the most ideal situation.  I walked around with a wad of paper towels and cleaner at the ready.  But I swear to you – it really wasn’t that bad.

All of the cats and dogs took it in stride and enjoyed watching them.

Did you get the feeling someone was watching you sleep, Mr. Bonez?

Wynnie looks down at Daisy and Winter while they sun bathe.

Early morning as the sun rises Daisy and Winter sit with me and watch old holiday movies.

Daisy is a very good mom.  It is such a privilege to be able to watch them and I feel like I have learned so much too.

Father Cottage grew up on a farm and he too says he has learned a bit watching these two.  Here he is feeding them peanuts.  He so enjoyed watching how Daisy would take the nut and then break it into smaller pieces and then call Winter to eat the small pieces.

After two weeks, I knew it was time to move them outdoors.  They have their own space on the back porch away from the other chickens.   They also have a small area fenced in, where they can range and see the other chickens through the fence, Daisy, says it soon will be time for them to be introduced back into the flock.  Sigh.  I’ve really enjoyed this time with them.

  Having new life here on our little farm as a new year is upon us, is surely a sign of good things to come in this year.

Wishing you all the best in 2017.

Thank you for being here today.

xo Kim

of Red Dirt Farm

Coral Cottage is now Red Dirt Cottage

Cottage Roadside Stand is now Red Dirt Farmstand