After You Count Your Chickens, Release Them

In the cold before Spring, small, black balls of fluff were deposited into my care. The weather turned raw and bitter, and I kept the heat lamp burning, often checking through the night to be sure it was still lit. I fed the chicks daily, watered them even more often, and soothingly talked to them. They grew strong, and soon it was time to release them into the world of grown-up chickens.


The other chickens pecked the young ones. They made the little chicks wait their turn to eat and drink. They drove the youngsters away from the best roosting spots. The old ladies were mean and spiteful, but they never seriously hurt the chicks. The babies just needed to learn the rules of the game.
 

 

It is painful to watch, but at some time all chicks must be released into the world of the grown-ups. The heat lamp is off at our house.