Life, Death, and growth on the farm

Well, all four eggs hatched. Unfortunately the first hatched and died overnight in the coop and I found the poor little thing in the morning. As the remaining three hatched (had to help the last two out of their shells) they were brought inside to a brooder for safekeeping. Sadly, Quill got into the brooder yesterday and one of the babies was killed. Our fault for not making it more secure- can't blame the dog for instinct. Luckily, we still have two cute, cheeping, happy, healthy little bundles of joy.
We seem to have aquired a new family member in the last few days as well. A very sweet, lovey young male cattledog showed up at our place. Dave drove all around but no luck in finding his home and as it was a cold rainy night he got to spend the night here in the bed with us and the rest of the dogs. The girls loved having a boytoy around. Dave was able to find the owner the next day who had only had Pete for two days. A very sweet old man who just can't handle the youngster. He was Pete's third home already and I'm guessing him to only be 8 mos. old or so. Dave has returned Pete home every night but we find him sitting outside our gate each morning. Charlie, the older gentleman told Dave to ask me if I want him and after discussing it we've decided to take him in as it seems he has chosen us as his family. Today he passed the "cat test" so it looks like he will be here to stay. The first night Dave dubbed him Chuckie which fits this comical little guy very well so that will be his new name. Dave was telling him this morning all about the drive they would get to take to Billings aka snip-snip as we don't need an amorous young male around the farmstead. ;)