5 weeks

At 5 weeks, they are making up their way up the steps to the front door to loudly pronounce they need more food. *sigh* Lily and Daisy are really good teachers. Too good, in my opinion!

The awkward stage

19 days old ...

Tulip, Buttercup, and Camellia had their first independent adventure into the yard today. They somehow got themselves down from the top level of their coop in the morning and after much squawking, made their way up the ramp and back upstairs at the end of the day. It took much prodding from their mommies but they did it themselves. The life of chickens is amazing to me. They were tiny eggs just over 2 weeks ago! Now they look like awkward teenagers growing into their feet and wings!

12 days old ...

Twelve days old and their feathers are growing in.

4 days old ... Fluffy butts

From egg to this in 21 days. It just amazes me!

Countdown to Hatch!

Success! I bought 3 silkie chicken hatching eggs on Ebay from muki1234, a highly recommended silkie breeder from TN. The eggs were laid on Feb 8 and arrived on Feb 11th and set under Lily and Daisy the same day. Melinda (the breeder) stuck an extra egg in the box so my chances of success are even greater! My little hens were already broody and took to mothering immediately! They sit all day, leaving the nest only once a day to eat, drink, and poop. Since it takes 21 days to hatch, I am counting down the days. They are hopefully hatching on March 4. There's a countdown clock to the right so I welcome ya'll to join me with the watch! I'm so excited! If I get a chance, I'll post some candling pics of the developing embryos!

Update: 2/14 (Day 3) - three of four eggs are showing spidering veins! That means embryos are developing!

Update: 2/16 (Day 5) - Maybe it was wishful thinking. Two of the eggs showed embryo development.

Update: 2/16, 7:21pm (Day 5) - Candled tonight and ALL 4 eggs show signs of life!!!! I'm so so so happy!