First Steps Out

Backyard Poultry

Peeking Out

Eagerly, I opened up the pop door into the newly-completed pen. I stood back and waited for the chicks to come pouring out excitedly. Nothing happened. Not only was the pen empty and still, but not even one chick could even be seen in the doorway! Peeking into the pop hole, I made out a huddled mass of nervous chicks in the very back of the chicken house. Then it dawned on me that these little birds were actually scared by the grating noise the door had made when I slid it open! How was I ever going to get them outside? After a good deal of talking, coaxing, and rattling the scratch tin, I managed to stoke up some interest in the boldest chicks. Their curiosity overcame their fear and they drew closer to the door. But seeing a patch of daylight - and the huge outdoors - where once there was only a wall was still disconcerting. The chicks looked out with outstretched necks and wide eyes.

The Brave Rooster

Did you notice which one was bravely at the very front of the pack in the top picture? Yes, it's one of the Rhode Island Red roosters. This little cockerel took the lead and bravely walked down the steps. At that point, though, the chick seemed to be frozen in place. It was too late to go back into the house, and too scary to step further onto this novel substance called dirt. What was this brave little chick going to do?