4½ Weeks and Still Alive!

[KWestVA]

First-time chick mom and shockingly, they're still doing well! Their favorite activities are destroying their playpen and having flying contests. My dog seems to have finally learned that the chicks aren't squeaky toys.

Here's a picture of the Three Chickateers - Nellie, Blondbeard (or Blondie??), and the ringleader Nightwing, plus one of Nightwing mugging for the camera.

 

[nuthatched]

Cute.
Looks like you may have a few cockerels. They can go outside, so you don't have to have the poopers stinking up your house anymore.

 

[KWestVA]

Cute.
Looks like you may have a few cockerels. They can go outside, so you don't have to have the poopers stinking up your house anymore.

We're working on going outside. For all their bravado in the house - even with the dog around - they still stick to me like glue when we go on "field trips". Any advice on how to build their confidence, since I don't have any adult chickens to show them the ropes?

 

[nuthatched]

We're working on going outside. For all their bravado in the house - even with the dog around - they still stick to me like glue when we go on "field trips". Any advice on how to build their confidence, since I don't have any adult chickens to show them the ropes?

You can a night light in the coop at night to help them go in the coop at night and roost.
Start putting them in the coop during the day, give them occupiers like a dust bath and leave them there if they're secure.
Chickens don't like change, so they'll scream a little but they're fine.
After a few days, leave them out at night.

 

[KWestVA]

Here are two pictures of Nellie, whom I now assume is a male, despite being the smallest of my three chicks. Any idea of the breed?