Hello, got 25 Isa Browns - hatched Oct. 11, 2011 - growing like weeds, have had them out since day one in a large brooder outside....blocked wind with tarp and used 2 heat lamps during the 40 degree weather we have had since they got here....adjusting well, flying all over the pen... feathering out, now getting the back feathers /they look a mess...Ha. they turned from redish gold to white winged in a week, really facinating to watch...eat like little piglets..put 2 boxes in the brooder and they play INSIDE and ON TOP...very active...waiting for 45 degrees this weekend and maybe (hopefully) some rain so have work to do outside tomorrow.....These girls will be mainly for eggs... the 40 more in the big pen are for meat, they give wonderful eggs also but want them for meat....am raising game hens along with the RIRs, buff orps etc...because they are known to be broody and this is the way I want my flock to grow, naturally .... hoping this will work...have a frizzle that weighs next to nothing and has hatched 2 batches for us...a predator got the one game hen that was old enough to be broody....am anxious to see if any of the others will....18 pullets are now approaching 7 mo,(ready to lay) BUT...all went into a molt and haven't seen an egg in a while...well one or two a day....so PATIENCE is the word......sorry I rattled on just felt like sharing....G Lost 25 pullets to a predator just recently so this could be why the hens are molting, etc.. stressed and winter is coming on so who knows....they do....Have a blessed day tomorrow...G