- Thread starter
- #11
- Jan 26, 2015
- 82
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The guineas and the solo chick are 5 weeks old!
I am hearing some buck-wheating from at least one, but mostly just peeps.
Since the temps here have been in the 80s or above, I have stopped using their brooder light. They seem to sleep better at night with it off.
Because the coop is still under construction ( should be move in ready on Friday), my kids and I have been lugging the birds outside for some fresh air and Vitamin D. It's kind of crazy, but what can I say? Step 1, move everyone to the cardboard transport box lined with newspaper and put mesh lid on. Step 2, lug circular wire cage outside (turning sideways to get out the door), and place in partially shaded area of yard near play set for maximum kid enjoyment. Step 3, lug giant cardboard box with birds outside followed by my daughter with lid. Step 4, transfer birds to cage, add water bottles, and put lid on. Step 5, watch birds enjoy grass and being outside and watch kids enjoying birds outside. Step 6, take pool full of dirty shavings to compost, and fill with clean shavings. Step 7, reverse steps to bring everyone back inside.
We introduced white millet to the flock on Saturday and on Monday night we had one GF perched on us eating out of our hands. Today two GFs would do it. My daughter was extremely excited. The rest will eat out of our hands.
On a sadder note, when our original order of 18 GF and 12 chicks arrived, 10 chicks were DOA and one more died within 3 hrs. 3 guineas were DOA, and the other two were gone shortly after. The company I bought them sent a replacement order from the following week and the whole batch was DOA. So that is why we only have 13 GF and the one big fat chick. It was a hassle to get my replacements and then my refund. I didn't want to add that to my running commentary until it had been resolved.
I am hearing some buck-wheating from at least one, but mostly just peeps.
Since the temps here have been in the 80s or above, I have stopped using their brooder light. They seem to sleep better at night with it off.
Because the coop is still under construction ( should be move in ready on Friday), my kids and I have been lugging the birds outside for some fresh air and Vitamin D. It's kind of crazy, but what can I say? Step 1, move everyone to the cardboard transport box lined with newspaper and put mesh lid on. Step 2, lug circular wire cage outside (turning sideways to get out the door), and place in partially shaded area of yard near play set for maximum kid enjoyment. Step 3, lug giant cardboard box with birds outside followed by my daughter with lid. Step 4, transfer birds to cage, add water bottles, and put lid on. Step 5, watch birds enjoy grass and being outside and watch kids enjoying birds outside. Step 6, take pool full of dirty shavings to compost, and fill with clean shavings. Step 7, reverse steps to bring everyone back inside.
We introduced white millet to the flock on Saturday and on Monday night we had one GF perched on us eating out of our hands. Today two GFs would do it. My daughter was extremely excited. The rest will eat out of our hands.
On a sadder note, when our original order of 18 GF and 12 chicks arrived, 10 chicks were DOA and one more died within 3 hrs. 3 guineas were DOA, and the other two were gone shortly after. The company I bought them sent a replacement order from the following week and the whole batch was DOA. So that is why we only have 13 GF and the one big fat chick. It was a hassle to get my replacements and then my refund. I didn't want to add that to my running commentary until it had been resolved.