A Perch in Time

No matter how hot and humid our SE Texas July nights get, Nonnie insists that our baby chicks sleep with a light on at night for warmth. Nothing special, just a little incandescent light bulb. (The June flock got an actual heat lamp)

Not sure how much actual heat they like from it, but they sure do love the little buggies it attracts. An unintended bread and circuses ensues: imagine one tiny Frizzle with a tiny junebug football being pursued by 19 other hungry girls to each end of the cage.  She either gobbles it or drops it when a lucky chickie picks it up and starts over.  

About two nights ago, Magnolia, my favorite Dominicker, hops up on the guard wire, probably trying to get closer to the bug buffet, swings for 1.5 seconds before jump-falling off.  The rest of the chickies stare stunned for about 30 seconds, not comprehending what the just witnessed. 

The next morning, the whole flock is stretching their wings, making their first attempts of flying! I'm convinced Magnolia inspired them.  Regardless, an idea was born.  My babies needed a place to fly TO.  They needed a perch.  

I drag Macy to the local hardware store to get a few odds and ends, but mostly a 4ft round dowel rod.  Yeah, they were scared of it at first, and I kept moving it around tryna figure out the perfect height and placement. We stayed spying on them and nothin. 

But today, 24 hours later, look at Juniper perched up there like a QUEEN!  My work is done. For now.