When my husband and I moved into our new house outside of Austin last July, we decided to leave the chicken coop that the previous owners used. We talked about the possibility of getting some chicks of our very own, but we felt a little insecure since neither of us knew exactly how to raise chickens.
Finally, after six months of settling into our new home, I decided it was a now or never thing. Although I still lacked a lot of much-needed knowledge, I drove into Austin one day, and picked up 11 baby chicks! I bought a heat lamp, waterer and feeder and hoped that whatever knowledge I did not yet have about chickens, I could learn as I went. The Backyard Chicken website has been helpful. Advice from friends with chickens has been helpful. Most of all, watching our little baby chicks grow and interact has been the most helpful.
After having our little chicks for only two weeks, we had a very warm day in the upper 70s. I took the girls out for a little play date, and it was amazing to see how quickly they are growing up!
The birds are about 4 months old now, and it is really fun to see their different personalities! Everything you read in books about breeds - is SPOT ON.
Another fun thing about the birds growing up is teaching them to really love new treats. The first time I introduced them to watermelon, they were not too sure about it. Now, when I take watermelon to them, it cannot make it to the ground before they start coming at me!
This past weekend, after snacking for quite some time, they were able to take a break to pose for the camera.
Finally, after six months of settling into our new home, I decided it was a now or never thing. Although I still lacked a lot of much-needed knowledge, I drove into Austin one day, and picked up 11 baby chicks! I bought a heat lamp, waterer and feeder and hoped that whatever knowledge I did not yet have about chickens, I could learn as I went. The Backyard Chicken website has been helpful. Advice from friends with chickens has been helpful. Most of all, watching our little baby chicks grow and interact has been the most helpful.
After having our little chicks for only two weeks, we had a very warm day in the upper 70s. I took the girls out for a little play date, and it was amazing to see how quickly they are growing up!
The birds are about 4 months old now, and it is really fun to see their different personalities! Everything you read in books about breeds - is SPOT ON.
Another fun thing about the birds growing up is teaching them to really love new treats. The first time I introduced them to watermelon, they were not too sure about it. Now, when I take watermelon to them, it cannot make it to the ground before they start coming at me!
This past weekend, after snacking for quite some time, they were able to take a break to pose for the camera.
