There is something truly special about a Sunday morning on the farm. Today is Sunday, April 26, and the air feels full of promise. The sun is peeking through the clouds, and the farm is humming with a quiet, steady energy. We spent a bit of time yesterday resting and soaking in the peace, which was exactly what our souls needed. It is so important to take those moments to breathe, especially when we know how busy the coming days are going to be.
Right now, we are sitting here with a tall glass of ice water for hydration, looking out at the yard and thinking about the incredible miracles happening right inside our home. We are already looking forward to a strawberry banana or pineapple mango smoothie a little later, especially since our farm strawberries already have blooms on them. We often talk about stewardship and the responsibility of caring for life, but some days, that responsibility feels a little more "chirpy" than others. If everything goes according to plan, our quiet farm is about to get a whole lot louder.
We are currently tending to three different incubators, and between them, we have nearly 60 eggs waiting to hatch. It is a season of extreme anticipation, and we are holding these little lives in our prayers every single day. There is so much to share about what is happening in each of those warm little boxes, and we would love for you to join us in this journey of waiting and watching.
The First Incubator: Our Faithful Flock Family
The first incubator is perhaps the one that pulls at our heartstrings the most. These eggs come directly from our own flock right here at Faithful Flock Farm. Today is day 18 for these little ones, which is a very big milestone in the world of hatching. Day 18 is when we begin "lockdown," a time when we stop turning the eggs and increase the humidity to help the chicks prepare for their big exit.
Knowing that these chicks come from our own hens and roosters makes it feel so personal. They are the next generation of our farm family, carrying on the legacy of the birds we have raised with so much love. We find ourselves peeking through the glass, listening for that first tiny "pip" against the shell. It is a beautiful reminder of the cycle of life that God has designed, and we feel so honored to be the ones to facilitate it.
Tiny Treasures: The Seramas from Ohio
Our second incubator is currently on day 13. This one is filled with Serama eggs that we sourced from right here in Ohio. If you have never seen a Serama, you are in for a treat. They are the smallest breed of chicken in the world, and they have the biggest personalities you could ever imagine.
Even though the eggs are tiny, the spirit inside them is mighty. Watching them develop over these past thirteen days has been a lesson in patience. Because they are so small, they require a very delicate touch and very precise conditions. We are constantly monitoring temperature and humidity, making sure everything is just right for these Ohio treasures. We cannot wait to see their tiny feathers and bold little stances once they finally arrive.
The Alabama Travelers and the Ayam Cemanis
The third incubator is our new two story model, and it is quite busy! This one is on day 12 and holds a very special group of eggs. We have more Seramas in here, but these little ones took a long trip to get to us. Our friend Michael brought these eggs all the way from Alabama, and we are so grateful for the effort he took to bring new genetics and new life to our farm.
Sharing space with the Alabama Seramas are our Ayam Cemani eggs. The Ayam Cemani is a striking breed, known for being completely black from their feathers down to their bones. They are truly a wonder of creation, and having them in the two story incubator feels like a grand adventure. With these eggs and the others combined, we are looking at close to 60 potential new lives. We are praying that they all hatch healthy and strong, ready to join the Faithful Flock family.
constantly monitoring temperature and humidity
Exploring the Yard: The House of Joy
While we wait for the eggs to hatch, the life that is already here is keeping us very busy. Today, the chicks and our healing mamas from the House of Joy are out in the yard. The House of Joy is our special place for birds that need a little extra tender loving care, whether they are recovering from an injury or just need a quiet place to find their strength again.
Seeing them out in the fresh air, scratching in the dirt and feeling the sunshine on their feathers, brings us so much happiness. It is a picture of restoration. The healing mamas are doing a wonderful job guiding the younger chicks, showing them the best spots to find a tasty snack in the grass. It is a slow, peaceful process, and it reminds us that healing takes time, sunshine, and a lot of grace.
A Huge Shout Out to John and Shannon
We have to take a moment to give a huge shout out to John and Shannon. They have blessed us with a new little chicken coop and run, and it is exactly what we needed for our growing family. The kindness of friends and neighbors is something we never take for granted, and this new space is going to be a perfect home for our "garage gang."
Cleaning out the new coop last night was a labor of love. We made sure to use plenty of First Saturday Lime to keep everything fresh and healthy for the new residents. First Saturday Lime is a staple around here, as it helps manage odors and pests in a way that is safe for our birds and the environment. We are finishing up the final touches today, making sure the bedding is soft and the waterers are clean.
The Garage Graduation
The "garage gang" consists of the chicks currently living in our garage, along with some of the Seramas and two of the Ayam Cemanis from the farm. They have outgrown their current space, and they are more than ready to experience the great outdoors. Moving them to the new coop and run provided by John and Shannon is going to be such a big day for them.
If all 60 of our eggs hatch, the garage is going to be a very busy place indeed! We are preparing for the "graduation" of the older chicks so that we have room to welcome the new arrivals. It is a bit like a game of musical chairs, but with feathers and feed. Every move is planned with their safety and comfort in mind, ensuring they have the space they need to grow and thrive as they were meant to.
The Heart of Stewardship
As we look at these 60 eggs and the busy life all around us, we are reminded of why we do what we do at Faithful Flock Farm. It isn't just about the eggs or the birds, it is about being good stewards of the gifts we have been given. Every life, from the smallest Serama to the hardiest hen, is a gift from God.
We take our role as caretakers seriously, but we also try to keep our hearts light and full of joy. Whether we are cleaning coops, monitoring incubators, or just sitting on the porch with Milo and Panda Bear, we are constantly aware of the blessings surrounding us. Stewardship is a daily "yes" to the work of the farm and a daily "thank you" for the life that flourishes here.
Join Us in the Wait
We would love for you to join us in praying for these 60 tiny miracles. The next few days will be full of waiting, watching, and hopefully, lots of tiny chirps. We will be sure to keep you updated as the "garage gang" moves into their new home and the new babies begin to arrive.
If you have questions about our breeds, like the Seramas or Ayam Cemanis, or if you want to know more about how we use First Saturday Lime, please feel free to reach out. We love hearing from our community and sharing what we have learned along the way. You can find more about our daily rhythms on our Life at Faithful Flock Farm page or learn about our approach to care at the Faithful Flock Learning Center.
Thank you for being part of our journey. Your support and encouragement mean the world to us as we navigate this exciting season of new life. We hope your Sunday is as peaceful and full of hope as ours.
With love and gratitude,
Mama
Owner, Faithful Flock Farm
"For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything." ( Hebrews 3:4)
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