While the dala horse has come to symbolize Sweden, dala roosters are also frequently carved and painted in the same style as the traditional dalahäst. And roosters have to come from somewhere . . . hence some little dala chicks.

Mother hens have a deserved reputation for hovering when it comes to their chicks, but they aren’t always just the sort to corral their offspring—they can be fierce protectors. Just ask any child who has approached the wrong chicks and ended up chased across the yard by an angry mama hen! Beware the moment the neck feathers begin to fluff out. Mama is not happy.