Yesterday morning, I had to bury little Phoenix. In spite of a growing appetite and small improvements in her vitality, the sweet little chicken died during the night. We both gave it our all, but her prior severe illness took too much out of her. She has a quiet resting spot in the newly cleared woods in front.
The search for a third pullet has now resumed, as it's almost time for Cinnamon and Vita to move into their chicken tractor (photo coming soon). At night they are still in their brooder box, staying warm with a heat lamp. Healthy and rambunctious, they are spending a few hours each afternoon and early evening in their temporary pen in the yard. I took a few photos to show how they are growing into henhood!
Cinnamon, seen here climbing on the log, is a Welsummer chick. You can now see her namesake's reddish feathers coming in. Her breed, named after a city in Holland, is known for their excellent foraging abilities. She's a wildchild, and is lightening-fast if an ant should meander into the enclosure. She peeps continually in a variety of melodious tones.Vita Speckville-West is the Speckled Sussex on the right. She's filling out nicely, and is proving true to her breed as a friendly, bright pullet. She stands still to be picked up, and appears to have a "big sister" attitude toward the sparkplug Cinnamon. With good construction luck on my side, the big move into the house will be taking place on Thursday.
Jocelyn Curry 
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