The day started early and well with sunshine at 7 am. I opened up the bantam and her 11 chicks and admired them. Each a perfect and unique individual.

Then I went to check on one of the Pom Pom girls who went broody a few days ago. She is now sitting on three GOOSE eggs, bless her.

Then it was time to check on the other Mrs Silkie who has been sitting in the ark on 8 eggs for two and a half weeks. When I opened the ark door Mrs Silkie was off her nest, her food containers were upended and there were white,Silkie feathers everywhere.

A rat or some other creature had burrowed into the ark, fought with the bird and escaped with just one of the 8 eggs. She must have fought hard. However the remaining eggs were cold so we picked up the hen and put her back with her three suitors in the Silkie run. She has chosen to stay in the Silkie hen house (recovering?) for the time being.