Beard's backyard adventure

[wonderbeard711]

So, this is a story about how my wife said "I'd like some chickens, maybe like 2 or 3". Of course as we all know, 2 or 3 turned into half a dozen. I assumed we would lose a couple, but so far she seemed to pick the healthiest hens (I hope they all are hens) in the entire Rural King store.

So, seemed easy and simple enough. Get chicks, a box, the chick starter box with all the equipment, pine shavings, and voila! Instant chickens and happy wife! i will update in several posts. lol

 

[featherhead007]

Happy chicks too I think!

 

[wonderbeard711]

So, it took me about 3.2 seconds to realize that heat lamp in our bedroom wasn't going to stay in my bedroom. Yes, chicks in my bedroom.

Quick Google search that lead me here and started all this was alternative heat sources for chicks and a heating pad and a little chicken wire and we were much better off. Ordered a brooder plate the same day, because, well, I like that heating pad. lol

 

[featherhead007]

So, it took me about 3.2 seconds to realize that heat lamp in our bedroom wasn't going to stay in my bedroom. Yes, chicks in my bedroom.

Quick Google search that lead me here and started all this was alternative heat sources for chicks and a heating pad and a little chicken wire and we were much better off. Ordered a brooder plate the same day, because, well, I like that heating pad. lol

View attachment 2047892

Great idea, because heat lamps can be very dangerous. And, nothing wrong with chicks in the house, for now!

 

[wonderbeard711]

Amazon Prime and a day later, brooder plate, anti-roost top, and cool little feather band put in.

Didn't take me but about 2 days to decide this wasn't nearly a big enough container for these things after realizing they are, once again in my bedroom, for 6 weeks.

 

[wonderbeard711]

Oh! I missed chicken introductions!

 

[wonderbeard711]

A week goes by, and a brooder box was built. 4' x 4'.

As you can see, wife and dog are very interested in said chickens.

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[featherhead007]

I'm wondering what that dog is thinking?

 

[wonderbeard711]

Now the brooder is handled and after spending a few days reading, I realize my little 6'x8' run with the coop on top wasn't going to cut it. SO off to Lowes for supplies for the run.

 

[wonderbeard711]

I'm wondering what that dog is thinking?

Honestly, I think she is trying to "mama" them. Her behavior doesn't seem like she wants to eat them, she is concerned with them when they peep. She has had them near her face and she just sniffs them.