Wings

There was a big development this weekend: wings. Last week, the chicks were cream coloured fluff balls

Last Thursday

This week, the chicks are cream coloured fluff balls with brown, black and white wings. In fact, they are more chicken than chick now.

This morning, Tuesday

We've also noticed a few new habits with the sprouting of wings.

Preening - they preen regularly and follow their mother whenever she does

Wing flapping and stretches - if you watch them for more than 5 minutes, you'll catch someone in action

Flying - They are lifting to about 6 inches off the ground, on average, and I saw one fly to about 1 foot in response to the overhead sounds of a low flying jet from the nearby naval air base. They are able to fly onto their mother's back with ease. However, as they get heavier, it is increasingly apparent that she doesn't want them riding on her back anymore, and she lowers her back and wiggles until they tumble off. I had no idea that this circus act would be so shortlived.

A namesake

The first 10 people to post a comment on Suburban Chicken will have a chick named after them. The clock starts now.