Feels Right Farm has birds from GFF and LP. She is hatching from the original birds. So they could be GFF/LP or LP/LP or GFF/GFF. She has roosters and hens from both lines. I was outside with the 8 week olds. They all come running. A couple like to be picked up. I love these chicks.
I just use a bucket with vertical nipples for the first couple of days until I know they have the hang of the mechanism, then switch to horizontal nipples. Never a problem. The vertical nipples do tend to release little drops of water into the bedding when the chicks drink or hit the nipples with their backs, but it's sure a lot easier to take a spatula and pick up the wet stuff once a day than it is to fight poop and shavings and the risk of drowning or chilling with an open waterer, not to mention the constant refilling.
Using the vertical nipples the day we brought them home. Caught on immediately.
Using the horizontal nipples with no transition issues at all.
Our special little chick, Scout, was all by himself in the house after he got hurt, so we just put a horizontal nipple in an empty powdered iced tea container and he was good to go.
They are stunning aren't they..... very beautiful.
Me too!
Two days ago I had 5 roosters. Head honcho is a black Ameraucana (1 yr). Next in the pecking order were 3 CLs (6 mo) and then the Biel (6 mo). I have 35 hens, BCM, BBS Marans, Ameraucanas, Biels and CLs. I rehomed 2 CL roosters and life is much more peaceful. I should have done it sooner but I was trying to let the CLs mature so I could pick the one I liked best. So 3 roosters with my flock. My Biels have their own coop so they stay together (Yes..... Desert Chick, they still prefer the porch) but they get along with everyone. They are being a little tough on the 8 week olds but no more than a dash at them to run them away from the feeder. Don't get between a Biel and the feeder. I have over 60 new chicks that I will introduce as they reach 8 weeks, I just put the BCM 8 week olds in with the flock last week. I am not including them in the mature flock count for this post. They are learning the ropes and the big birds have been tolerant, even when those babies are roosting on their backs. I like the Marans the best but not for any really good reason. All the hens I have are nice. I have BBS Marans that lay almost every day like clockwork. I have Ameraucanas that do too. The CLs (13 pullets) are just now getting into the swing of things and I am getting lots of little blue/green eggs. They are small birds (they like to forage) and will probably be very productive. The Biels are not laying yet. Everyone gets along but they free range on a big property. I have seen my birds out in the fields spread out over a couple of acres and they love to spend the mornings and late evenings in the woods.
