The Blue Silkie chick is shaping up to be quite a charmer! Timid at first, she is emerging as a leader of the group of smaller chicks. Silkies as adults are known to be very tame and friendly. Remember “Florida Lady” in “The Natural History of Chickens.” What was her chicken’s name? Snowball? Anyway, that shows how silkies can be the definition of a lap chicken.

Silkies are unusual in several other ways. They have fluffy, hair-like plumage and as adults develop a stunning turquoise lobe. The five-toed, feather-footed, crested breed was well-developed in China by the time of Marco Polo’s exploration of that exotic land. Silkies are also known as one of the broodiest breeds. This combination of unique characteristics has made Silkies very popular. They are so popular that we at Lucky Cluck didn’t want to order one! But now we are happy to have her in the flock.

Sadly, one of Penny’s chicks has vanished. The remaining chick is doing fine, however, and is starting to get her flight feathers.

The essays are in and, once again, they show the creativity and sincerity of the fine people who wish to be part of Lucky Cluck Farms. This is the second essay contest at Lucky Cluck. Unfortunately only one essay can win its author a co-op membership. We, as voting members, are grateful for the high level of interest and effort put into these writings. A winner will be announced at the end of the week.

The lucky winner will be able to choose one of several fabulous chickens.

Well, they are not departed yet. Here are a couple shots of near-pullets that will be moving from Lucky Cluck to Todd’s coop. He has proposed setting up a coop that will be a satellite of Lucky Cluck Farms. Such behavior is, or course, encouraged. The chick above is a sharp-looking silver-penciled Wyandotte.

This Barnevelder is very friendly (or hungry) and will lay handsome dark brown eggs someday.