2013 marks our first year's attempt at having a backyard flock. We ordered an educational assortment of eggs online and my son's 3 year old preschool class incubated and hatched 7 of the dozen eggs. 6 are doing well, but one hatched with splayed legs and has never fully recovered. We attempted the boot method, but it just didn't work. They are currently 4 weeks old today (happy birthday, Berry brood) and have been in their coop since Sunday and loving it!
The picture above is of Rosie. I'm guessing s/he is a black maran, but we're not sure. We're also hoping she's a she so we can keep her! No roosters are allowed in our town, but i think that might be a blessing in disguise. So far, we're thinking we have one Salmon Faverolle, 2 Black Marans, an Australorp, a Lavender Orpington, and 2 Ameracaunas. We think.