If you've been following along with our incubator journey, buckle up. Things just went from "a few chicks" to "we might have more babies than our entire adult flock" in the span of about 48 hours.
And honestly? We're not complaining. Just a little sleep-deprived and covered in chick fluff.
Alabama Adventures & Serama Dreams
First things first, Aunt Jean and I made it back from Alabama safely! We didn't come back empty-handed either. Tucked carefully in our luggage were 10 precious Serama eggs, ready for their turn in our incubator.
For those who don't know, Seramas are these adorable tiny chickens that stand about as tall as a coffee mug. We tried hatching them once before without success, but we're hopeful these Alabama beauties will be the ones to finally give us our miniature flock.
The trip was wonderful, though Precious (our smallest and sassiest hen) made it clear she missed me. She didn't just want to sit on my lap when we got back, oh no. I had to lay flat on my stomach while she crawled all over my back like a tiny feathered masseuse. I was genuinely afraid she'd tumble off, but she seemed perfectly content up there surveying her kingdom.
The Great Chick Explosion of 2026
Here's where things got absolutely wild.
Yesterday, I visited Rural King and Tractor Supply. You know how it goes, you just want to "look" at the baby chicks. Maybe pick up some feed. Definitely not walk out with a box full of peeping fluff balls.
Well, I walked out with 11 new chicks.
But wait, it gets better. Last night, one of our green eggs started hatching in the incubator at home. As of this morning, that little one still wasn't completely out yet (hatching takes time!), but five of its siblings decided to make their grand entrance.
Let me do the math for you: That's 14 new chicks in just two days. Add in the four "big sisters" from earlier this week, and we've got 18 babies chirping their little hearts out around here.
Oh, and as I'm writing this update? Two more eggs are pipping. We've still got 10 eggs left in the incubator that could potentially hatch. We might actually end up with more chicks than adult birds at this rate!
Milo, The Self-Appointed Chick Inspector
Our Maltese dog Milo has decided he has a new job title: Chief Chick Inspector.
He takes this role very seriously.
If we don't pick him up and let him inspect every single new chick, he barks his head off. And we mean full-volume, "THIS IS AN EMERGENCY" barking. He and Panda Bear (our black and white Shih Tzu) have been making regular trips to the bedroom, yes, the bedroom, where we currently have two brooders running.
The chirping draws them in like a magnet. They poke their noses as close as they can get, sniffing and watching with intense concentration. Milo seems to do a little head count each time, making sure everyone's accounted for.
I have a feeling they're both going to be pretty upset when we eventually start selling some of these chicks. They're already bonding hard.
The Teenagers Are Growing Up
Speaking of milestones, our teenage hens have officially started laying their first farm fresh eggs!
There's something so special about finding those first small, sometimes oddly-shaped pullet eggs. They're like little announcements, "We're all grown up now!"
Once the snow melts from yesterday and today's surprise winter weather, we're going to start the process of introducing these teenagers to the Mercy Coop. This isn't a quick process, it takes about a week of careful supervision to make sure everyone gets along and the pecking order gets established peacefully.
Thankfully, we've got three excellent mentors waiting for them. Esther, Naomi, and Ruth, our mature, level-headed hens, have been watching the teenagers from a distance. They'll take over the mothering duties once these youngsters move outside at the end of March.
Until then, I'm the one watching out for all these babies in the house. Two brooders in the bedroom. The constant soundtrack of peeping. The occasional 3 a.m. check to make sure everyone's warm enough. It's exhausting and wonderful all at once.
Green Eggs & Ham (Well, Just Green Eggs)
Can we talk about that green egg that started hatching? There's something almost magical about watching an olive or sage-colored egg crack open to reveal a fluffy yellow or brown chick inside.
Our green eggs come from hens who carry the blue egg gene (from breeds like Ameraucanas) crossed with birds who lay brown eggs. The result? These gorgeous sage, olive, and moss-colored eggs that our customers absolutely love.
The yolks are just as rich and golden as any of our other pasture raised eggs. The shell color doesn't affect the taste or nutrition, but it sure makes for a prettier egg carton!
If you've been curious about trying our local eggs, now's a great time. Our teenage hens are just starting to contribute to our egg production, and we're getting a beautiful variety of colors in every dozen.
Looking Ahead, Spring Hatching Plans
We might let Esther, Naomi, and Ruth go broody and hatch their own clutches in April or May. There's something beautiful about letting a mama hen raise her own babies, the way she talks to them, teaches them to scratch and forage, and tucks them under her wings at night.
It's how God designed it, after all.
For now, though, we're focused on getting through this current baby boom. Making sure everyone's healthy, warm, and thriving. Keeping Milo from having a breakdown every time he can't see the chicks. Finding enough brooder space for everyone.
The Joy in the Chaos
Is it chaotic? Absolutely.
Are we getting much sleep? Not really.
Would we trade it for anything? Not a chance.
There's something deeply satisfying about being part of this cycle of life. Watching eggs pip and crack. Seeing wet, exhausted chicks transform into fluffy, curious explorers within hours. Observing the first wobbly steps and the eventual confident strutting.
Every single one is a little miracle.
We're grateful for the opportunity to raise these birds with care, to provide our community with farm fresh eggs from happy, healthy hens, and to share this journey with all of you.
If you want to follow along with the daily updates (and see way too many photos of adorable chicks), check out our farm updates page. And if you're looking for local eggs from pastured hens who are loved and well-cared-for, we'd love to hear from you at our contact page.
For now, I need to go check on those two eggs that were pipping. And probably pick up Milo so he can do his inspection. And make sure Precious hasn't decided my back is her new favorite perch again.
Just another beautifully chaotic day at Faithful Flock Farm. 🐣
"Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father's care." , Matthew 10,29
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