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An Equestrian Life

Farm Life
/
October 23, 2014

We Found a Chick

A few days ago, I was walking down to the barn when my husband started calling me over to the chicken coop, saying there was a chick in the coop. I didn’t believe him, as he frequently says things like that to mess with me.

I went to the coop, and sure enough, there was a little chick in there.

WP_20141020_011

Fluffers is finally a Mommy! She’s our oldest chicken, and the top of the pecking order, so I’m fairly confident in her ability to keep this little chick safe from the other chickens. Although she did promptly take her baby out of the coop and then leave her there. I could hear the shrill cries of the chick from the house and had to rush down to save the poor thing and return it to its mother. I’m going to call her a “Mother in-training”.

After the excitement the hen leaving it’s chick, I then discovered that my very favorite hen also had a little baby tucked under her wing! But I was unable to get a picture. “Little Cochin” is a sweet, kind gentle hen who I could easily pick up to see the baby. The baby however was a wily little thing, who was standing on its mother’s feet when I lifted her, something I did not know they could do.

So instead, here is my little darling of a chicken, Little Cochin, stuffing her little beak with bread.

WP_20141017_028

It’s hard to teach a chicken table manners, but I am trying.

I excitedly told my coworkers about our little chicks. It’s the first animals that have been born on our little farm, and I was very proud.

I got home from work today and hurried out to check on our little chicks. I heard cheeping, and I was lifting hens to find where the chicks were at. I could only find Little Cochin’s baby, tucked up in her wings.

I stepped back from the coop down and looked around the run. That’s where I found the little body of Fluffers’ chick. There was no apparent injury, she almost looked like she could have been sleeping. Fluffers herself was sitting on eggs, seemingly oblivious to her missing chick. Or maybe she did know, and had gone through her mourning already. It’s hard to guess what goes through chicken’s minds.

I sadly removed the deceased chick from the run, and buried her nearby. It had been so young, and full of spirit. I have a few theories, but I have no way of knowing what exactly had happened. The chick could have been left by Fluffers and died of cold, or it could have been run over by another chicken. I feel terrible that the chick likely died due to my ignorance of how to raise a hen with chicks.

I had an appointment so I had little time to dwell on the death. Afterward, I returned to the coop to check on the chicks again. While I had been gone, the hens had rearranged themselves on their nests. I raised Little Cochin to check on her baby. There was no baby. I would have freaked out, but I could distinctly hear cheeping. I searched through all the hens again, and found that Fluffers had stolen Little Cochin’s chick.

I chuckled at that, but then I pulled out the chick to take a look at it, the first real look I’ve taken at it. The little chick has a malformed leg. It’s little cheeping turned shrill as I examined it. It’s limp and shriveled up on itself.

Not I feel doubly awful. I don’t know what to do at this point. It’s clear to me that the little chick is not going to survive. It can’t even walk. The humane thing to do would be to destroy it… or would it? Is there some other option? And it’s just a tiny chick – their lives are so delicate and frail.

I either kill the little chick to put it out of its misery, or I watch it slowly die because it can’t move. One of the other chickens might even attack it and it wouldn’t be able to move away.

This is the part where I hate farm life.

TAGS:Chickens
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Hi There, I’m

Hi There, I’m

Courtney

Driven by curiosity about everything in the horse world - the history, the breeds, the cultures. Wanting to spend my life seeking adventure with horses. Is this you, too? Let's discover together.

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I'm usually the one taking the photos, not in them. I realized I haven't taken a real photo in a long time so I decided to change that and get some photos with my Stubert. (Awesome outfit is from @syncequestrian )

Don't forget to get photos of yourself!

#horselife #equestrian #horses #horsesofinstagram #instahorse
I'm usually the one taking the photos, not in them. I realized I haven't taken a real photo in a long time so I decided to change that and get some photos with my Stubert. (Awesome outfit is from @syncequestrian )

Don't forget to get photos of yourself!

#horselife #equestrian #horses #horsesofinstagram #instahorse
I'm usually the one taking the photos, not in them. I realized I haven't taken a real photo in a long time so I decided to change that and get some photos with my Stubert. (Awesome outfit is from @syncequestrian )

Don't forget to get photos of yourself!

#horselife #equestrian #horses #horsesofinstagram #instahorse
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I'm usually the one taking the photos, not in them. I realized I haven't taken a real photo in a long time so I decided to change that and get some photos with my Stubert. (Awesome outfit is from @syncequestrian ) Don't forget to get photos of yourself! #horselife #equestrian #horses #horsesofinstagram #instahorse
5 days ago
View on Instagram |
1/6
It's the official start of summer! (As indicated by school letting out. That's the calendar I follow). It was a steamy Virginia morning at the barn but that's okay, you get used to it. Can't wait to make my kids into barn rats this summer.

#horselife #horses #instahorse #equestrian
It's the official start of summer! (As indicated by school letting out. That's the calendar I follow). It was a steamy Virginia morning at the barn but that's okay, you get used to it. Can't wait to make my kids into barn rats this summer.

#horselife #horses #instahorse #equestrian
It's the official start of summer! (As indicated by school letting out. That's the calendar I follow). It was a steamy Virginia morning at the barn but that's okay, you get used to it. Can't wait to make my kids into barn rats this summer.

#horselife #horses #instahorse #equestrian
It's the official start of summer! (As indicated by school letting out. That's the calendar I follow). It was a steamy Virginia morning at the barn but that's okay, you get used to it. Can't wait to make my kids into barn rats this summer.

#horselife #horses #instahorse #equestrian
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It's the official start of summer! (As indicated by school letting out. That's the calendar I follow). It was a steamy Virginia morning at the barn but that's okay, you get used to it. Can't wait to make my kids into barn rats this summer. #horselife #horses #instahorse #equestrian
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
2/6
Stu is at his new barn. This was his first ride with the new trainer. I think he's a bit confused about what's going on, it's a big change for him. He's not used to being stalled and he lost all his old herdmates 😭 poor guy! But his ride went well, so well that she took him on a trail ride after to cool him off, something I've never done. She's a braver woman than I, but really that's a good thing 😂 

#horselife #horsesofinstagram #instahorse #horseblogger #equestrian #horsecountry #hunterjumper
aneqlife
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Stu is at his new barn. This was his first ride with the new trainer. I think he's a bit confused about what's going on, it's a big change for him. He's not used to being stalled and he lost all his old herdmates 😭 poor guy! But his ride went well, so well that she took him on a trail ride after to cool him off, something I've never done. She's a braver woman than I, but really that's a good thing 😂 #horselife #horsesofinstagram #instahorse #horseblogger #equestrian #horsecountry #hunterjumper
1 month ago
View on Instagram |
3/6
Great day at @middleburgspringraces ! 

@thetravelingrider were trying to coordinate our outfits, we were going for: "Modern Ascot Scene in My Fair Lady." How do you think we did?

I was trying to completely make my daughter and I's outfits, but I ran out of time and couldn't finish my own dress. I made Bridgette's dress and both of our hats. As a beginner, I'm pretty happy with how they came out! Just look how elegant my daughter is as she rummages through the cheese. 

The kids liked watching the horses in the paddock, which are apparently more impressive than the horses we already own 😂 Maybe they will be thoroughbred lovers. They also ran in the stick horse race, but two horses baulked so only Bridgette actually completed the race. That didn't stop the boys from weaseling their way into the winners circle photos though! 

We also had an unexpected bonus to this trip. We visited @rescuepetconnect and there was a beautiful little dog that could have been my beloved Paxton's double. I literally cried when I saw her There was no way we could walk away, we adopted her immediately. She's been absolutely wonderful and we are so happy to have her join the family! @rescuepetconnect is a great adoption service and was wonderful to work with. I highly recommend anyone looking for a furry family member to check them out. 

This was long, but I'm just so full of emotions! 🥹🥹

#middleburg #horserace #equestrianlife #horselife #instahorse
Great day at @middleburgspringraces ! 

@thetravelingrider were trying to coordinate our outfits, we were going for: "Modern Ascot Scene in My Fair Lady." How do you think we did?

I was trying to completely make my daughter and I's outfits, but I ran out of time and couldn't finish my own dress. I made Bridgette's dress and both of our hats. As a beginner, I'm pretty happy with how they came out! Just look how elegant my daughter is as she rummages through the cheese. 

The kids liked watching the horses in the paddock, which are apparently more impressive than the horses we already own 😂 Maybe they will be thoroughbred lovers. They also ran in the stick horse race, but two horses baulked so only Bridgette actually completed the race. That didn't stop the boys from weaseling their way into the winners circle photos though! 

We also had an unexpected bonus to this trip. We visited @rescuepetconnect and there was a beautiful little dog that could have been my beloved Paxton's double. I literally cried when I saw her There was no way we could walk away, we adopted her immediately. She's been absolutely wonderful and we are so happy to have her join the family! @rescuepetconnect is a great adoption service and was wonderful to work with. I highly recommend anyone looking for a furry family member to check them out. 

This was long, but I'm just so full of emotions! 🥹🥹

#middleburg #horserace #equestrianlife #horselife #instahorse
Great day at @middleburgspringraces ! 

@thetravelingrider were trying to coordinate our outfits, we were going for: "Modern Ascot Scene in My Fair Lady." How do you think we did?

I was trying to completely make my daughter and I's outfits, but I ran out of time and couldn't finish my own dress. I made Bridgette's dress and both of our hats. As a beginner, I'm pretty happy with how they came out! Just look how elegant my daughter is as she rummages through the cheese. 

The kids liked watching the horses in the paddock, which are apparently more impressive than the horses we already own 😂 Maybe they will be thoroughbred lovers. They also ran in the stick horse race, but two horses baulked so only Bridgette actually completed the race. That didn't stop the boys from weaseling their way into the winners circle photos though! 

We also had an unexpected bonus to this trip. We visited @rescuepetconnect and there was a beautiful little dog that could have been my beloved Paxton's double. I literally cried when I saw her There was no way we could walk away, we adopted her immediately. She's been absolutely wonderful and we are so happy to have her join the family! @rescuepetconnect is a great adoption service and was wonderful to work with. I highly recommend anyone looking for a furry family member to check them out. 

This was long, but I'm just so full of emotions! 🥹🥹

#middleburg #horserace #equestrianlife #horselife #instahorse
Great day at @middleburgspringraces ! 

@thetravelingrider were trying to coordinate our outfits, we were going for: "Modern Ascot Scene in My Fair Lady." How do you think we did?

I was trying to completely make my daughter and I's outfits, but I ran out of time and couldn't finish my own dress. I made Bridgette's dress and both of our hats. As a beginner, I'm pretty happy with how they came out! Just look how elegant my daughter is as she rummages through the cheese. 

The kids liked watching the horses in the paddock, which are apparently more impressive than the horses we already own 😂 Maybe they will be thoroughbred lovers. They also ran in the stick horse race, but two horses baulked so only Bridgette actually completed the race. That didn't stop the boys from weaseling their way into the winners circle photos though! 

We also had an unexpected bonus to this trip. We visited @rescuepetconnect and there was a beautiful little dog that could have been my beloved Paxton's double. I literally cried when I saw her There was no way we could walk away, we adopted her immediately. She's been absolutely wonderful and we are so happy to have her join the family! @rescuepetconnect is a great adoption service and was wonderful to work with. I highly recommend anyone looking for a furry family member to check them out. 

This was long, but I'm just so full of emotions! 🥹🥹

#middleburg #horserace #equestrianlife #horselife #instahorse
Great day at @middleburgspringraces ! 

@thetravelingrider were trying to coordinate our outfits, we were going for: "Modern Ascot Scene in My Fair Lady." How do you think we did?

I was trying to completely make my daughter and I's outfits, but I ran out of time and couldn't finish my own dress. I made Bridgette's dress and both of our hats. As a beginner, I'm pretty happy with how they came out! Just look how elegant my daughter is as she rummages through the cheese. 

The kids liked watching the horses in the paddock, which are apparently more impressive than the horses we already own 😂 Maybe they will be thoroughbred lovers. They also ran in the stick horse race, but two horses baulked so only Bridgette actually completed the race. That didn't stop the boys from weaseling their way into the winners circle photos though! 

We also had an unexpected bonus to this trip. We visited @rescuepetconnect and there was a beautiful little dog that could have been my beloved Paxton's double. I literally cried when I saw her There was no way we could walk away, we adopted her immediately. She's been absolutely wonderful and we are so happy to have her join the family! @rescuepetconnect is a great adoption service and was wonderful to work with. I highly recommend anyone looking for a furry family member to check them out. 

This was long, but I'm just so full of emotions! 🥹🥹

#middleburg #horserace #equestrianlife #horselife #instahorse
Great day at @middleburgspringraces ! 

@thetravelingrider were trying to coordinate our outfits, we were going for: "Modern Ascot Scene in My Fair Lady." How do you think we did?

I was trying to completely make my daughter and I's outfits, but I ran out of time and couldn't finish my own dress. I made Bridgette's dress and both of our hats. As a beginner, I'm pretty happy with how they came out! Just look how elegant my daughter is as she rummages through the cheese. 

The kids liked watching the horses in the paddock, which are apparently more impressive than the horses we already own 😂 Maybe they will be thoroughbred lovers. They also ran in the stick horse race, but two horses baulked so only Bridgette actually completed the race. That didn't stop the boys from weaseling their way into the winners circle photos though! 

We also had an unexpected bonus to this trip. We visited @rescuepetconnect and there was a beautiful little dog that could have been my beloved Paxton's double. I literally cried when I saw her There was no way we could walk away, we adopted her immediately. She's been absolutely wonderful and we are so happy to have her join the family! @rescuepetconnect is a great adoption service and was wonderful to work with. I highly recommend anyone looking for a furry family member to check them out. 

This was long, but I'm just so full of emotions! 🥹🥹

#middleburg #horserace #equestrianlife #horselife #instahorse
aneqlife
aneqlife
•
Follow
Great day at @middleburgspringraces ! @thetravelingrider were trying to coordinate our outfits, we were going for: "Modern Ascot Scene in My Fair Lady." How do you think we did? I was trying to completely make my daughter and I's outfits, but I ran out of time and couldn't finish my own dress. I made Bridgette's dress and both of our hats. As a beginner, I'm pretty happy with how they came out! Just look how elegant my daughter is as she rummages through the cheese. The kids liked watching the horses in the paddock, which are apparently more impressive than the horses we already own 😂 Maybe they will be thoroughbred lovers. They also ran in the stick horse race, but two horses baulked so only Bridgette actually completed the race. That didn't stop the boys from weaseling their way into the winners circle photos though! We also had an unexpected bonus to this trip. We visited @rescuepetconnect and there was a beautiful little dog that could have been my beloved Paxton's double. I literally cried when I saw her There was no way we could walk away, we adopted her immediately. She's been absolutely wonderful and we are so happy to have her join the family! @rescuepetconnect is a great adoption service and was wonderful to work with. I highly recommend anyone looking for a furry family member to check them out. This was long, but I'm just so full of emotions! 🥹🥹 #middleburg #horserace #equestrianlife #horselife #instahorse
2 months ago
View on Instagram |
4/6
Pony endures the first snowfall of the year. Unfortunately for him, more coming tonight! 

#horsesofinstagram #pony #horses #horselife #instahorse #equestrian #equestrianlife #equestrianblogger #horsecountry #snow
aneqlife
aneqlife
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Pony endures the first snowfall of the year. Unfortunately for him, more coming tonight! #horsesofinstagram #pony #horses #horselife #instahorse #equestrian #equestrianlife #equestrianblogger #horsecountry #snow
5 months ago
View on Instagram |
5/6
Stu's 360 outfit check. He's ready to become a fashion icon!

Shirt and saddle pad: @harrison.howard.equestrian 
Breeches: @syncequestrian 

#horsesofinstagram #instahorse #horselife #horses #equestrianfashion #horsecountry #horsestyle
aneqlife
aneqlife
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Follow
Stu's 360 outfit check. He's ready to become a fashion icon! Shirt and saddle pad: @harrison.howard.equestrian Breeches: @syncequestrian #horsesofinstagram #instahorse #horselife #horses #equestrianfashion #horsecountry #horsestyle
7 months ago
View on Instagram |
6/6
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