Our broody hen, Speckles, has been patiently sitting on fertilised eggs for a little while now, keeping them warm and cosy. 

    

Speckles has sat patiently through morning visits from Class 3/4, whose daily job it is to feed and water the hens and keep their coop clean. The children themselves have also been very patient, watching and waiting for the eggs to hatch. Then finally, yesterday, we heard tweeting through a hole in one of the eggs - very exciting for all of us, children and teachers alike! 

          

Now Speckles is keeping her three chicks warm and cosy. At first we were allowed only occasional glimpses as, like the good mother hen she is, Speckles is very protective and keeps her babies snuggled up close. The warmth of the Teachers' Room, though, has given them the courage to venture out from under her breast to seek food and drink, and to stretch their little legs. The children love to visit in pairs, and are looking forward to holding the chicks very soon.