The Brood

Went to get eggs this morning and was loudly greeted by these "girls" who wanted out of their protective area.  They are free range but they do have a fence to keep them safe from fox and coyote.  They were all gathered near the gate, huddled together, perhaps against the cold or just anxious for the gate to be opened.  They were loud and boisterous and on the other side of the hen house the rooster crowed loudly.  I loved the variety of colors and shapes.  There were a few guinea hens too - apparently they eat ticks.  Who knew?  

There were a few horses in the pasture, very friendly.  The fence for them was just at eye level so it made closeups difficult, but there is one in the extras.