Hannah's Hens: We Got New Baby Chicks!

Here ye, here ye.... we have new additions at our house this week.

Actually IN our house!

I'll explain more in a moment.

Our animal loving daughter Hannah caught a vision earlier this year...and she's moving toward it. Go girl! She set a goal to save up the "spend" money she's been earning so she could purchase her very own baby chicks. Within Well Grounded Farms she wants to have her own animal business, which she's already aptly named Hannah's Hens. I love her leadership drive!

As her parents, we saw her desire as a brilliant investment of her finances!

And when a child sets a goal they want to work toward, it's a developmental opportunity we can come alongside them in.

So, without further ado, on Saturday, May 1, the three kids and Dad set off for the local farm store to select Hannah's flock from their spring inventory.

I would've gone, too, but I was taking my mom out of town for the day as an early Mother's Day outing. Initially my heart was a bit torn that I wouldn't be part of Hannah's big day, but we moms must realize its ok if we're not a part of everything. Sometimes a day with Dad + kids = the enrichment they need most.

They had a TIME together! WIth fiery decisiveness, they opted to purchase all the stock that remained. They excitedly brought home 27 new chicks of various breeds and colors. Asher, our 10 year old, chose to invest in this flock, too. He was motivated to see a return on his investment this fall when he can be part of selling the eggs :). Good decision, son!

Throughout the week the kids have feverishly dedicated their time caring for these chicks. It's incredible to see how our kids rise to the occasion when given someone/something other than themselves to take care of. First thing after our morning family Gather Time each day, Hannah and Asher rush to start tending the Hannah's Hens collective with water, feed, fresh wood chips and any other care needed. The chicks, by the way, are being temporarily housed in our sunroom. They are contained in a large feeder tank, but that won't keep them in long. They're already flapping their wings and flitting around. Their growing size (and let's be honest, their smell) means they'll be transitioning to an outside space very soon. Time to get the coop ready for the incoming freshmen.

Hannah holds the chicks often, nurturing her babes. Asher crafted wooden roosts from his always-at-the-ready stash of popsicle sticks and hot glue. Vyla seems more interested playing legos in the other room. And that's ok, too.

It's fascinating to watch these little chicks scurry about their space, roosting and pecking. We're amazed they're already moving beyond the newborn stage of frequent napping and on to demonstrating the behaviors we see in our older laying hens.

I'm proud of our kids. I'm proud of us for supporting their goals and partnering with what they set their heart on.

I'm thankful Hannah's Hens is giving our entire family opportunity. Good job Hannah!

Isn't it amazing what our kids are capable of when we give them space to spread their wings and experience the stretch of their wingspan?

Hannah & Laurie