Flying the nest!

Earlier this summer my White Hen (actually named Madame Pompadour), went broody. I decided to let her sit but had nearly given up hope, when one morning I heard faint peeping sounds coming from beneath her large feathery bottom and..

This is what I found!

There were still more brown eggs waiting

But we decided to move them and the Mother to a smaller pen to in order keep them safe

Our cat Mali was a most interested spectator!

After two more days another chick arrived-

And that completed the family!
As both the chicks are charcoal grey we think that the true Mother was actually Big Black Hen but Madame loves her babies and protects them ferociously!
They are growing rapidly and last weekend we moved the family back into the main hen area, just shutting them away in the smaller pen at nights.
Last night however, I was a little late going to catch and put them to bed. Now you remember I have told of my hens' unusual habit of roosting in our apple tree ( whatever the weather) ?

Well, Madame has taught her chicks the family skill...

'Duck is on the leaft up-side-down and Grouse is safely tucked in

It was the most charming and funny sight I have seen in a long time- How on earth they managed to hop, flap and scramble up there I don't know-

But this morning they were back down in the run safe and sound and loudly demanding their breakfast!

We have had many fine nests of beautiful eggs before-

But their contents have never given us such pleasure!

Take a newly laid egg...

In the manner of all traditions, this one has grown until it has become a vital part of our Spring celebrations. We usually combine it with an Easter Tea Party but the weather and the general muddle of life delayed things a little.
To explain...
Every year we ask a strong, lusty man to throw a fresh egg over our three storey terraced house to ensure good luck and safe keeping for all who live beneath its roof.
The second part needs two women who stand face to face. They each take a step back and throw a newly laid egg to each other, then take a further step and throw again. Each step and successful egg-catch ensures a happy, lucky month.
We had gathered and eaten the all important sandwiches, cakes and cream tea which prepare us for the rituals that lay ahead.

I explained the rules-

The Egg was chosen and approved

It was a serious business

It was the first year that Teddy was deemed old enough to take part- what a test of man-hood!

It was a great throw

 an anxious moment

Not quite over the top this year but a noble first try!

Then Jonathan tried...

Mikol tried...

David really entered into the spirit ...

with a worthy throw

But to no avail....

It was finally Ian who took the honours this year-

with a magnificent effort

There was great rejoicing all round

 Emily and Freya were the chosen women this year.

They had skillfully managed to bring us 11 months of good luck when....

disaster struck!

Eggy hands are just the price you have to pay for a happy home!

It was an afternoon  full of laughter, teasing and good humour.
Thank you to all my friends and neighbours and especially to Sam, who took all the stylish photographs.