Growing bigger

I feel both disappointed and relieved to report that the chicks have passed their cutest phase. They are no longer irresistible yellow fluff balls that I want to scoop up and rub against my cheek. Instead, they are feathering out rather awkwardly. Their tails grow a little bit every day, and the fluff on the chest and back looks clumpy as it is replaced by the narrow beginnings of what will soon be white feathers. The little birds have a new sense of themselves as well. For the first time this week, I saw two chicks go chest to chest, arching their little necks and hopping to see which one could be taller and more intimidating to the other.

They went outside for the first time this morning! Their new feathers help them stay warm, so we let them out in the morning sunshine. “Let them out” does not quite describe what we did. My husband tried to coax them out using their food as a lure, and then used a piece of cardboard to very gently herd them all out. They seemed happy enough to be outside, but getting them there took some work. We will always feed them outdoors now, and within a few days, I hope to move their coop out into the field.

While the chicks are still in the brooder, I have been spending the most time with them at about 9 AM and 9 PM – after my children have left for school, and after they have gone to bed. It has been a joy to go outside after dark every night. Earlier in the week, I saw the moon through the clumps of brand-new leaves on my maple trees. Later in the week, for two nights in a row, the moon had an enormous pale halo. This scents in the air have been growing stronger all week, and now we walk in violet clouds because the lilacs are in full bloom.

PS -- Do you know anyone who would like a kitten? A cat who adopted us last winter had five kittens in April. They are cute.