One thing I’ve learned since starting chicken-keeping in April: it is never boring. Truthfully, I would prefer it be a little more boring than we’ve been experiencing lately. And most of the “action” is coming from our tiny demure little Pepper!

After Pepper’s brief run-in with a hawk in October, she decided to turn broody on me. I went out to clean the box the end of that week, and she was in full angry broody hen mode. Which was hilarious, since she is so tiny. Thankfully it was fairly short-lived, she didn’t continue sitting on eggs, but she was feisty for a good week: flying at my ankles and ruffling her neck feathers at me whenever I’d go in to feed or gather eggs.

Just as we’re getting over that, there was another hawk encounter. This one much more serious. Early Sunday morning, Mr woke to the chickens raising the alarm. After a mad dash outside, we saw a massive hawk fly off – thankfully leaving behind his would-be breakfast: Pepper. She definitely got some battle wounds this time, and I honestly wasn’t sure she would make it. But that is one tough little chickie. She’s been getting private dining sessions and lots of cuddles, and I think she’s now my little bestie if the sunbathing naps in my lap are any indication.

The others are, understandably, a bit jealous of the extra attention Pepper is getting. But they’re still rather spoiled, so don’t let them play the pity card on you.

Pippin is showing a feisty streak, and will charge full-speed at any songbird that dares to land in – or even near – the fence. She is also the one who sounds the alarm when the mouse-eating hawk perches in the tree near their lot. While her size would make her a scarier broody hen, I think she’d probably make a good momma. Pippin would also like everyone to know that she’s the only one earning her keep right now, producing beautiful brown eggs. And even a couple double-yolks!

Penguin maintains that her only job is to be cute. She has also been spending a lot of time with Pepper this week, as she’s been hiding and recuperating inside the box. The boys are starting to show her more attention, so I’m hopeful that means I’ll find a blue egg in the nesting box soon.

Speaking of the boys … Look how much Popcorn has evolved over the months! He is a big strong boy, but he is also something of a scaredy cat. While the hawk had Pepper in its talons, and Pippin kept the other 2 on the far side of the fence, Popcorn was inside the box. I thought he was starting to figure out how to rooster, but we still have a way to go.

Meanwhile Pecan continues to be a momma’s boy and will jump up on my shoulder/head any chance he gets. Especially if I’m interacting with and/or filming any of the others.

If you’re curious what the chickens are up to between update posts, you can always check out their antics on YouTube, where I try to post at least one short a week.