April 26^th

Today was cage cleaning day.  I put the chicks on the grass with just the top wire part of the cage covering them for protection.  They loved walking on the ground and pecking at imaginary bugs under their feet. 

If I can just pick this lock...

I hosed out the plastic cage bottom and let it dry in the sun while I sat with my little girls on their first day touching grass. Earlier in the day we had some drama in chicken land!  I found a small bug on my porch about the size of my fingernail.  It looked like a cross between a roach and a beetle.  I picked it up and dropped it in the cage and all heck broke loose!  Violet saw it first and she chased it around the cage bumping into to her sisters and pushing them out of the way so she could get to the prey first.  Daisy and Rosie saw it then and they joined in the chase.  You can guess who caught it–My little honor student, Violet!  She chomped down and ran around like mad away from her sisters who were trying to get it from her.  She munched on the poor bug until he was no more.  Despite feeling a little bad that I sent an innocent bug to his doom it was really fun to see!  It was like watching a great “chick flick”.  Later…Rosie got up on the perch!!! What a big girl!  She looked so proud….a little wobbly, but proud.  And even later….Daisy did it! 

My girls are definitely gifted.  After dinner I chose a bird to come in and spend some quality time.  I put Violet in my lap on the couch and she hopped up on my shoulder.  We watched a guy on TV make zucchini fritters.  She was unimpressed.  She mostly chirped quietly and tried to eat my pearl earring.  She sat on my shoulder for 20 minutes and didn’t poop on me!  I think that means she loves me.  My ancient cat Missy sat 18 inches from us on the arm of the couch looking totally bored.  Then my bloodthirsty kitten Sam trotted in and I decided it was time for Violet to go back in her box. Another good chicken day. Sigh.