I am sorry you lost your chick. That is so hard! Can you put Mama and her babies in a cage next to or inside of your coop? I use a rabbit hutch with a wire wall that lets the older birds get used to seeing the babies but not get close enough to hurt them. When I let the babies into the big run...
Over the years, I've lost one pullet to a red-tailed hawk and a runaway cockerel to a dog I was "puppy-sitting," but my biggest nuisance has been foxes. They haven't actually gotten any birds (cross my fingers and knock on wood,) but I credit that to diligence, constant tweaking and my...
If I wasn't hooked on my Nankins, I'd have OEGBs. They're little, smart, docile and come in so many colors I'd never get tired of watching them. I'd also never stop collecting them until I had at least one of each, so it's a good thing I'm in love with my Nannies.
Don't give up hope, yet! I honestly think it's still too early to be certain either way. The width of the comb isn't as tell-tale as the color - and you're still a couple of weeks away from seeing any "pinking up." They are both beautiful, healthy-looking babies.
Great article with really nice pictures! Whether you think chickens have "real emotions" or not, this article ties them to real behavior in a way that absolutely supports the idea. I'm convinced!
Did y'all get hit with the storm? It just missed us. We got a good bit of rain and a lot of wind, but nothing like what was expected ... I'll take that for the win! Just an hour east of us got nailed, though - and the beaches from Lewes down to OC (MD) took a bad hit. Old Town, OC has water up...
Went to church.
Made a potentially dangerous stop on the way home - the huge, 2-story antique store here in town. Only spent $15! SO proud of myself!
Waited for "The Storm," and waited and waited and waited. We got pretty wet and windy, but nowhere near what was forecast. We got lucky -...