The Joy of Motherhood: A Tale of Hens and Chicks

Seconds after giving birth to my firstborn son

For those of us who have fallen in love with a partner, feelings often develop over time. Countless dates filled with deep conversations, shared laughter, and maybe some wonderful Mexican food help build that connection. That's how it happened for me when I met my husband. Conversely, with my three beautiful kids, it was love at first sight. I felt a profound bond even during the nine months I carried them. I knew they would become my favorite people, and my life would change forever upon their arrival.

The Maternal Instincts of Animals

Skye, My Family's Favorite Dog

Animals exhibit remarkable emotions toward their young, too. For instance, when Skye, my fox red Labrador Retriever, was born, I observed her mother with awe. She managed ten energetic pups. Despite their playful antics—tugging on ears and trampling her tummy—she nurtured them with patience, feeding and cleaning them. The maternal instincts bestowed upon animals by nature never cease to amaze me!

A Broody Journey

For the past month, I've had three broody hens trying to hatch fertilized eggs. It takes 21 days for an egg to develop fully. Out of three hens, only one successfully hatched two of her eggs. Once a hen goes broody, it's a challenge to get her off the nest unless there are chicks to care for. The other two mamas clung to their eggs beyond the 21-day mark. Cleaning up rotten eggs has been my weekly chore, but they refused to leave their nests. Their desire to become mothers was unwavering.

Rotten eggs are unpleasant to manage. They smell terrible! Sometimes, they burst, creating a mess and attracting flies to the coop. This foul odor can make the coop unbearable for other chickens and for me, too!

A Cheeky Solution

Not wanting to deal with rotten eggs all summer, I decided to take matters into my own hands. I bought two-day-old chicks from Tractor Supply. Broody hens are often willing to accept any small chicks placed under their wings. However, the transaction requires care and gentleness. If the new mama feels threatened, she might reject the chicks—sometimes even eating them alive. It's a harsh reality in the animal kingdom!

Bird Brain staring me down with THE LOOK

Bird Brain was my first hen to successfully sneak two baby chicks under her belly. Once those tiny chicks chirped beneath her, she gave me THE LOOK. It was clear: if I got too close, she would defend her new brood fiercely! Thankfully, she accepted her babies and proved to be an incredible mother.

Now, there's Tweedle Dee. Unlike her twin sister Tweedle Dum, who met an unfortunate fate years ago, Tweedle Dee is now part of my second flock. Although she can no longer lay eggs, her broody instincts kicked in. I couldn't have been happier! I had my ten-year-old son film the moment I placed the new chicks under her. Watching her embrace motherhood in her twilight years was heartwarming.

An hour later, Tweedle Dee and her babies were cuddling with each other making happy sounds. She accepted the babies into her care with gusto.

Chickens in Action

Now, the mamas are strutting around the yard with their little ones following closely. Observing the hens teaching their chicks how to scratch the ground for food is delightful. The way they protect their young from other hens showcases their nurturing nature.

The Bond of Motherhood

The bond between mothers—whether human or animal—is profound. Each creature has a unique way of nurturing and loving their young. It’s a beautiful sight, and it fills me with gratitude. Witnessing this journey has deepened my appreciation for motherhood.

Thank you for reading my Country Squawk!

Kelly