The Eggplant and the Orphaned Chicks

'Creature' No. 1: The Eggplant. Actually it's not an eggplant, it's an Aubergine. But it looks more like an eggplant to me; short, plump, and purple. Either way, it is almost complete and with fairly little trouble. I'm happy about that. I learned some new techniques along the way, which I suspect are going to make the tomato (creature no. 2) quick and simple. Before long I'll be out of the garden and into the deep blue sea.

Here are our poor orphaned chicks. Their Bantam 'mom', Ginger decided last week that she would rather rejoin the rest of the flock and start laying eggs again. She wants nothing to do with them and pecks at them if they come near. I was worried at first. They're only about a month old. But they seem to be getting along well for themselves. We keep an eye on them throughout the day and put them in the bucket nest at night. So far, so good. Cute little buggers. Everyone else seems to be doing well too. Our Silkie hen, Delilah, by far wins the 'best brooder award' for this hatching season. Her chicks are now about as big as she is. She still tends to them when they need to be mothered, but they are starting to venture off on their own now. You should see them when we come out with bread. They are starting to be the first ones to feast. Ah, chicken life. What could be better?!