I do this to myself way too often!
I had a hen go broody soon after I got Harold, a rooster from Victoria. Come to find out, it only takes 48 hours after you get a rooster that the eggs are fertile. I think I waited over a week and then gave her five eggs. Five days later I gave her another five eggs. I was covering my bet.
Right on time, Monday, I could hear peeping!
Yay! I tried not to bother her too much, but I had to go see if she had any more today.
Doggone it! As I kneeled down to look in the dog crate, I couldn’t hear any peeping. The hen is in a round nest which I had shoved against the corner. True to my luck, two chicks had fallen (or been pushed) into that corner. One was dead. One I had seen twitch. What are the odds?
Believe it or not, that chick was breathing but definitely cold. I have had more dead chicks in my life than I can count. I didn’t hold much hope for this one, but I dropped water into its beak and held it close.
Yeah. Not good.
Back at my house, I wrapped it up, set it in the sunshine, and dropped more water in its beak. It was still alive in half an hour. Then an hour. I found some old chick electrolyte. Two hours. Three. I gave it food. It peeped. Loudly. I could talk to it and it would be quiet. Or wrap it in a rag and it would snuggle down.
Vernon had said it would be nip and tuck if it lived… so, meet Tuck.
Yes, it could die before morning. Yes, it is lonely and loud. I don’t trust the hen to protect it and if she hatches more, Tuck will have company… otherwise it looks like I have a pet chicken. Wish me luck for Tuck!
Find me here!
This is such a touching and authentic story — your care and determination to save little Tuck truly came through in every word. It’s a beautiful reminder of the patience and resilience involved in animal care, and how even the smallest life can inspire compassion and hope. Thank you for sharing this moment with us; it’s obvious how much heart you put into raising and nurturing the animals on your ranch. Wishing you and Tuck all the luck — here’s to many more happy clucks and cheery peeps.
Hang on Tuck!
Good luck Tuck. If there’s another will you name it Nip? I hope he/she grows to be big and strong. Looking forward to see that.
Best of luck little Tuck!!