Fifi is our chicken momma. She hatched five little chicks six weeks ago. She has shown herself diligent, strong, and brave. She earned her ‘Ninja’ name last week, as named by my twinster.

When she got broody, I asked our neighbor for some fertile eggs. She made her nest in the rafters of the barn. Climbing a ladder daily was the only way to keep an eye on her. It did not end well for that clutch unfortunately. Sweltering summer heat proved too much, none made it.

Removing a broody hen who wants babies that are not going to hatch is sad. She kept sitting on the ground, not wanting to give up.

I decided to make a new nest in a box stall, get more eggs and try again. I have read where the eggs should be set before the hen, and if she wants them, she will move them under her. To my great joy and surprise, she put five eggs under her feathery, warm body in her newly made nest.

Had I been too hasty, I suddenly thought to myself? It takes a lot for a hen to hatch eggs. They sit for 21-25 days, getting off their nest once, maybe twice daily for food, water, and to relieve themselves. One round of hatching is hard enough. She is strong, young and determined, I reasoned. We both were going to succeed this time.

To me it seems like magic. The chicks hatched! All five of them. The joy we have had watching them grow is terrific.

Our chickens free range. Occasionally we will loose one to fox. Last week was such a time. While feeding I noticed Fifi did not look ‘right’. Upon closer inspection I saw her wing was damaged, she’d lost a few feathers on her back and one foot was not quite right.

We put them in the barn where she could rest and get better. They were kept in the barn for several days and let out for short times under careful watch.

Apparently it was not worth engaging with a mother hen protecting her babies. Her healing has been amazing to watch. She took a beating protecting her chicks, but they are safe. Her bravery surely earned the ‘Ninja’ title.