These are newly hatched baby pheasants.
During plowing season when I grew up, we would sometimes run into pheasant nests. If the hen was there and took off, we’d stop to retrieve the eggs. After plowing, we usually tried to rebuild the nest, but never knew if that worked or not.
One year we put the eggs under a chicken. Chicken chicks stay with the hen until they are quite grown, while she protects and shields them under her wings. Pheasant chicks only stay about an hour before they take off like the wild wind.
The poor hen nearly had a nervous breakdown- running in all directions, trying to gather the wayward chicks.
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I read that story in the latest addition of Country It made me chuckle. I thought to myself, there has got to be a lesson in that story. then it hit me-no wonder I am tired…God gave us 4 pheasant chicks to raise and since our youngest only moved out this past August, I’ve just spent the past 28 years chasing pheasant chicks. If you have a strong willed child, then you know what I’m talking about- if all of your kids are of the compliant variety- don’t be too quick to pat yourself on the back- the fact that they are behaving has less to do with your parenting skills than you might think, and if yours are still running in the opposite direction than what you’d hoped, you’re not alone.
I was listening to Family Life Today last week- speaker said some things that choked me up:
“If I knew my kids would turn out in the end, then I’m ready to die and go home and be with the Lord.” There really is nothing more important in life that seeing your kids thrive spiritually,and nothing as heart breaking as watching them flounder.
“Why is it that two children can grow up in the same home, in exactly the same environment, one will turn out great and the other one will continually grieve your heart? ”
Too many times thought, we as parents find ourselves going on a guilt trip- “if only, I’d spent more time with them, or if only we hadn’t done this or that.”
“What do you tell the parent who has one (or several) prodigal children?”
“All you have to do is look at God the Father- he IS the perfect parent, and look at all of the prodigals he has.”
So here’s to all you young mothers and fathers who find yourselves taking care of a little pheasants.
November 7, 2008 at 10:55 pm |
Kind of like the father of the prodigal son. If the father is supposed to represent God, then the kids were probably raised the same. One however leaves, sins and repents. The other “good” one ends up resentful. The consistent thing is God patiently waiting for each to work out their issues and come around to a good life.
November 8, 2008 at 9:25 am |
First off, I love those chicks. That is a great photo. I can honestly say I’ve never seen pheasants that small. We have so many on our land but I’ve never seen them as babies.
My boys are pretty different in personality. They pretty much follow the birth order books I’ve read. My oldest is way more serious and less sure of himself while my youngest is pretty much happy go lucky and was a class clown but very lovable. I love this subject and have read about it a lot.
November 8, 2008 at 10:54 pm |
Your eldest Pheasant just checking in ;0P
Hear ya cluckin big chicken….how’s mama hen?
love you!
I LOVE it when you pop into the blog. I also LOVE watching you grow as a person…But as my mother told me….”just wait….your turn will come” ( referring to when your kids grow up and test the boundaries)…love, your papa
Ang
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Ah, my eldest pheasant chick
November 9, 2008 at 7:54 pm |
I can only imagine what Addy and Rigg will be like as teens…..if they are anything like Matt or myself, we are in for it! I just hope they will understand that I love them (no matter what).
I know I am loved unconditionally. Thank you Papa ;0)