If you had told me a few years ago that I’d be hovering over a broody little Silkie hen, excitedly checking on a clutch of eggs, I might have laughed. But here we are—our sweet Silkie girl, Felicia, is sitting on eight precious eggs, and the excitement in our home is through the roof!

The Magic of a Broody Hen

Felicia has taken her motherly duties very seriously. From the moment she decided to go broody, she’s been tucked in her nesting box, only leaving briefly to eat, drink, and stretch her little feathery legs. It’s fascinating how instinct kicks in, and she just knows what to do! Watching her fluff up and protect her eggs with all the determination of a much larger bird is both adorable and awe-inspiring.

Candling: The Window to Life

One of the most exciting parts of this journey has been candling the eggs. If you’ve never candled eggs before, it’s an experience like no other! About a week into incubation, we took a small flashlight, gently lifted each egg (while Felicia gave us the stink eye), and shined the light through the shell. And guess what? We saw veins! Tiny little spider-like veins forming inside the eggs, a sure sign that new life is developing inside.

By day 14, we could see little movements—tiny chicks wiggling inside their shells! The amazement on my little one's face as we watched the eggs glow and reveal their hidden world was priceless. Raising chickens alongside a child makes the experience even more magical. It’s hands-on learning at its best, teaching patience, responsibility, and the wonder of nature.

Counting Down to Hatch Day

Now, we’re in the final stretch! In just a little over a week, we should hear tiny peeps coming from inside the eggs as the chicks prepare to hatch. We’re making sure Felicia has everything she needs—fresh food, water, and a cozy, quiet space to do her job. It’s nerve-wracking and exciting all at once!

Hatching chicks for the first time is such an incredible journey, and I love that our little one gets to be part of it. The joy of witnessing new life, learning about the delicate balance of nature, and experiencing the patience and care involved in raising baby chicks is something we’ll never forget.

Stay tuned—soon, we’ll (hopefully) have eight fluffy new additions to our flock! Have you ever hatched chicks before? I’d love to hear your experiences!