New Chickies!!!

Dominique and her five sweet little fluffies!

Oops... I've done it again...
We set a limit of 7 chickens.  
We decided that was a good number.  4 could sleep in the Sister House, 3 could sleep in the Cousin House, and no one would be the least bit crowded.

Here are our 6 hens.
Dolly, Dominique, Sylvia, Red Red, Fancy, Other Red

But...
Well... 
Ummm... 
Ok...

Sweet Monique who was just a little chickie last spring got broody a few weeks ago.  She sat so patiently in the dark nesting box day after day after day.  I'd try scooting her out, but she wasn't having it.  She wanted to be a mama and was determined to keep the eggs warm.  (One of those eggs is the fake one that reminds hens where to lay, and the others are those the other hens would lay each day.  We don't have a rooster, so none of them would ever become chickens.)  
Finally I got 4 eggs from a friend who does have a rooster.  Dominique was happy to sit on those 4 for 21 more days.  And, she did.  What a patient girl. But, alas, all of them were duds.  Zero babies.
I went to my friend Google and discovered that there might be a way.
First I called our farmers' coop and asked if they had chicks. They said they'd have them on next Friday from 10:00-12:00. O... K... That's pretty specific and too late.
Next I called a farm supply store.  They had plenty, so I happily headed there to buy 2 (probably 3) for this experiment.
Fun fact*** Apparently there's a law that says that chicks can only be purchased in groups of 6 or more. What?  Wait... I only need a couple.  Sorry, we'll get fined if we sell less.  
Well, what do you suppose I did? I couldn't break the law, could I?  
Yeah, I bought 6.  
I would just explain that there was a law, so Ron would be completely fine with us going.... juuuust a little over our limit of 7.  😉
I made a home for these tiny little fluffs in a box for the afternoon.  At about 10:00 pm, after it was completely dark, we went out to the coop and slipped them one at a time under Dominique.  She couldn't see us, but she just purred in her mama chicken way and tucked each one farther under her.
It worked!
The next morning they were a happy, happy little family!
Sadly, one didn't make it, but there are 5 happy babies just busily learning all the important chicken lessons from their mama.

2 Buff Orpingtons, 2 California Whites, 1 Bantum

This little Bantum is about the size of a cotton ball!
I think we'll call her Thumbelina.

This funny one with the black spot prefers to ride on mama.
What shall I name her?

When Red Red came to inspect the new chicks,
Dominique puffed up and had a fit!

So much to learn!

In case you think this can't be a real law... Yes... It is.

2012 Arkansas CodeTitle 5 - Criminal OffensesSubtitle 6 - Offenses Against Public Health, Safety, Or WelfareChapter 62 - AnimalsSubchapter 1 - -- General Provisions§ 5-62-121 - Transfer of certain chicks, ducklings, or rabbits.Universal Citation: AR Code § 5-62-121 (2012)
(a) It is unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to sell or offer for sale, barter, or give away living baby chicks, rabbits, or ducklings under two (2) months of age in any quantity less than six (6).(b) It is unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to sell, offer for sale, barter, give away, or display living baby chicks, rabbits, or ducklings that have been dyed, colored, or otherwise treated so as to impart to them an artificial color.(d) Any person, firm, or corporation violating any provision of this section upon conviction is deemed guilty of a Class C misdemeanor.
Class C misdemeanors are the least serious misdemeanors in Arkansas, punishable by up to 30 days in jail and a fine of up to $500. (Ark. ... Public intoxication is a Class C misdemeanor.

Here's an explanation as to why this law exists.

A Poultry Breeder's PerspectiveJim Hall, Drew County 4H Poultry Club Leader Poultry are a flock bird.  Within a flock there is comfort companionship and contentment for each member of the flock.  With baby chicks, ducklings, poults, etc. they have a natural instinct to flock together.  Many times a single chick will die of loneliness.  With Easter a few days away, many will want to purchase a baby chick for the children.  What will you do when the chick is grown?  Many breeds of poultry live very long lives.  A chicken can live to more tan 13 years... With any pet, one must contemplate the full cost and long term obligations of the pet.  With poultry one must consider housing and maintenance for the long term...