It's only fitting. . . . He was the last one born and he is the smallest of the bunch. I just have to call him Wilbur. I put all four chicks together this morning and after a bunch of pecking and showing who's boss (I don't think anyone in particular won) they've all settled down together for a mid-morning nap. The ICU is no longer necessary and they all seem fine. Wilbur was very protective of Hero and stood over her for several minutes holding off Lucky and Jack Jack, who were trying to peck at Hero. Then, Wilbur was brave enough to even bite Lucky's beak and defend herself several times. I'm very proud of little Wilbur holding her own.
I gave them all a snack of hard-boiled egg yolk this morning which was well-received by all but Wilbur. Even Hero let me hold her over the food so she could peck at the yolk and fill her gizzard. Hero tries so hard on her own but every time she leans over to peck at the ground she falls flat on her face. Same thing happens when she wants a drink of water. So I held her next to the water dish and she happily helped herself to a drink. I figure as she gets a little bigger and stronger she won't need my help anymore. At least that's what I hope. Noah says we should get Hero a "chickie wheelchair that goes all by itself" so Hero can get around. Even a pair of chickie crutches would do the trick. She'll get it though, I just know she will.
Anyway. . . here's a picture of Wilbur and the bunch. They are growing so fast. Three of them are growing their crowns already. And today, Lucky even demonstrated how high he can jump. (Whoa! I didn't even know they could jump!) I'm not sure the walls of the box will be high enough in another week or so. Thank goodness it's getting warm outside!
Hero has claimed me as her rightful and loving mother. And if I can't have Hero then I choose Jack Jack. :) I fell in love with them all, how could you not? Someday I'll be as good a mom as you are Shana. :)
