Not sure when you posted this inquiry ... but Lee's Fed in Shingle Springs Ca (not too far for you) has an amazing selection and excellent healthy chicks (on 4-4-14) they have day old Silver Spangled Hamberg chicks ... i't worth the drive I think - best of luck Donna
Oh My ... I read your story this morning and hope you and the chicks are doing well. Wow that is brutal conditions ... wish we could get some of your snow we need it sooooo badly... wish we could send you guys some of our sunshine (it's getting ridiculous) We'll it may be hard to believe - but...
I have a little silkie "Liza" she was hatched April 19th - starting laying at 21 weeks and is now broody- concern is that she is missing feathers on her belly (None)
Is something wrong with her
Thanks for any advice you could give us
Another Egg Today from Elizabeth (Golden Laced Wyondotte) pic here shows her egg next to Liza's (Silkie) The thing was HUGE she was in there for hours and was so funny after she layed the egg - kept running around yelling to everyone - it was funny - we now are waiting for the others (Bette...
If you're using the medicated starter food and just a few weeks away from them laying I'd change to layer food now so your eggs won't have the medicated food traces. Donna ( oh good chicken name too! )
I wash mine in the kitchen sink warm water and dry w/paper towels - evidently my eggs won't last as long (up to 3 months unwashed) can't do it - you can look at learning center on this site it gives all kinds of information to make your decision - good luck !!!
actually they really like to sleep on a roost (it is their nature to perch in trees to keep safe from predators) -then they sleep all together, then they will only use the nesting boxes for egg laying purposes - it worked for us
Oh my 49 weeks!!! Actually from what I've read the smaller breeds lay earlier , with the larger breeds laying around 24 weeks and so far it's seems to fit in our flock:)