Chicks hatched!

Three weeks ago nature called and Ruby went broody. I learned from my mistakes when the last batch hatched and this time I was better prepared. I separated her in her own paddock with a big nest on the ground. I gave her ten eggs to hatch. Three eggs broke during the past three weeks. I read that broody hens can detect if an egg is unfertilized or stops developing and they will either kick the egg out of the nest, or maybe break it open and eat it. One chick hatched yesterday and this morning there were a total of six. I searched the nest for the seventh, but there were no signs of an unhatched egg or dead chick. 

It is such a joy to watch Ruby and her chicks. I can't help but to smile every time I observe them.