Meet Deborah

Some chickens are born to raise chicks.

Deborah would rather raise... eggs.

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She hatched on November 27, 2023, alongside twelve brothers and sisters. For a few wonderful days, we watched the little family explore the homestead behind their mother, learning how to scratch for bugs and discover the world together.

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But each morning there seemed to be fewer chicks. Whether it was a predator, a wandering cat, or something else, we knew we couldn't leave them outside any longer.

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We gathered the remaining babies and moved them into the safety of a brooder, where they could grow up protected. 

Their mother returned to the flock. Deborah and her siblings stayed with us.

Maybe those early days shaped who Deborah became.

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We'll never know for certain, but she's spent her whole life proving one thing:

She absolutely loves sitting on eggs... She just has no interest in raising babies.

Every spring, Deborah proudly claims a nest box. She'll puff up twice her size, grumble at anyone who gets too close, and guard those eggs like they're priceless treasure.

But the moment a chick hatches?

She's done.

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We've tried giving her chicks more than once, hoping her motherly instincts would kick in.

Instead, Deborah looks at them as if to say, "These weren't part of the deal."

It's become one of the funniest traditions on the homestead.

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Despite her dramatic attitude, Deborah has one of the gentlest hearts in the flock.

She may complain. 

She may growl. 

She may give you the most judgmental look you've ever received from a chicken.

But she'll happily let our youngest pick her up, cuddle her, and carry her around without ever trying to hurt him.

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Behind all that fluffing, growling, and attitude is simply a sweet little hen who likes things her own way.

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She doesn't want to be everyone's mother.

She just wants to sit on the eggs.

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And honestly...

We've learned not to argue with Deborah.