Can't believe it's 2 years since I last logged in to Down the Lane.
Much has changed here. I've lost a lot of my ex batt girls over the years, although Wee Craw lived to a grand old age of 5 1/2. Big Lou our big, beautiful cat has also gone to rainbow bridge, and Bob our other cat is 13 now. He has hyperthyroidism, controlled by medication and blood tests, but still enjoys life.
The biggest change is Zack, our now year old Dobermann. He's a joy and a soppy big lump. We were told they were a high energy breed, but I still underestimated how much energy he has. He's like the Duracell bunny! That's why I've got no time to post.
Anyway, Miranda has been with us 2 years now, so she will be around 3 1/2 years old. This is the 3rd time she has gone broody. I got some fertilised eggs from the farmer and a loan of his incubator, just in case she didn't sit. Well she did sit, and 21 days later I welcomed a little black chick and a little yellow chick this morning. We still have 1 egg left but I'm not sure about that one, as I think there is a slight smell off it but I'll keep checking it overnight. She is very happy with her little babies.
I am amazed that she overcame the odds to want to sit on eggs, as an ex batt, enriched cage hen, whatever they want to call it. Her instincts kicked in and she became a mamma. It's just so sweet and natural to see her being a normal chicken.
I've got homes for them if they turn out to be cockerels, I'll keep one and the farmer will take one, I didn't really think about little boys I was so caught up in the moment, so probably won't do it again but it worked out this time anyway.
I would like to thank everyone on DTL who helped me on my chicken keeping road with great advice and always someone willing to help if I had any problems along the way. I'm still hooked and can't see me not having my little batts for as long as I can.