Nitro Has Two New Helpers...

Our baby chicks are growing by leaps and bounds every day and the sound of their little peep, peep, peeps is music to our ears, especially to Nitro...the 'keeper' of our little farm!!

The babies are active nearly 24 hours a day...under the warm red lamp, they frolic, eat, drink and sleep to their hearts content. They will remain in the warm alfalfa lined trough for another 4 weeks or so, until they are mature enough to be placed out in 'general population' with the grown hens and roosters.

Until that time, Nitro attentively watches over his flock, day in and day out. As noted in other hubs I have written, he is patient and loving as he stands for hours watching to make sure his little ones are safe. He is curious as well.... as any dog would be.

Well, this morning he had new helpers to watch over the chicks... Ranger and Pinky, our 100 lb labs. At first sight of them, Nitro growled with distaste, as he did not want the labs anywhere near his babies. Once noted, Ranger and Pinky slowly approached the trough and peered in with great curiosity!!

Ranger's hair raised along the crest of his neck and back, while Pinky quietly rested her chin on the rim of the nesting trough. Quietly, all three watched...no movement, no sound, in awe of what they witnessing....together.

Nitro lowered himself on several occasions, snipped at Ranger and Pinky, making certain they knew where their place was....and it was NOT inside the trough. The labs are large enough to easily scale the walls and end up inside instead of out. Once he made sure they knew the 'rules', he returned to his post and watched again for another hour.

It was time for the labs to head back outside and for Nitro to take a much needed break and head to the couch for some rest and relaxation. Ah, the start of a new day, was nice with the extra help...although, Nitro knows...HE NEEDS NO HELP :-)