To read part 1 go here: Surprise Chickens 1.

I wanted to write a quick update on our mother hen and her chicks. She brooded without any assistance. No heat lamps, water, shelter or food nearby. She came out of the woods with 11 chicks. She’s a scrapper and a fierce mama even though she’s a “production” layer.

Since then she keeps curious dogs, misbehaving ducks and other chickens at bay. She keeps her chicks warm at night and teaches them to dust bathe and forage during the day.