Belgian Malines Have Arrived!!!

[Gen9]

They look amazing!!

 

[Shellz]

Thanks! They're really something else! They're so quiet. No crowing yet, but the oldest boys are just starting to spar a bit. The wee chicks are foraging a little further away from moms. One even roosted on top with the big birds tonight. Although very cute, I must reconfigure the roosts/poop board set up. I noticed how clumsy the big kids were when getting down this morning. A few crash landed in ways that could be harmful later. I have a temporary fix until I can get hubby's help. Most Malines like to be on the floor - no roost necessary. Or if one is provided, should be under 2' high. Thanks to Bart for his advice! Glad I figured this out before any damage could be done. Phew!

 

[theoldchick]

I can imagine a large growing chick will break a leg from an unexpected fall.

 

[Shellz]

6 weeks old today! Nice little butterballs!

 

[Shellz]

My biggest 12 week old 'Thor' started crowing this weekend.

 

[Gen9]

They sure feather out much slower than my hybrid layers... gotta be perfect for those Canadian winters I bet! Glad you were able to lower those roosts in time. An injury during colder months can really take a toll on a bird and possibly spoil one as well! (speaking from experience lol)
I'm very impressed!

 

[Shellz]

Yeah, I feel pretty bad about it, but didn't want anyone else to make same mistake. No harm done, thank goodness!

 

[theoldchick]

How do you keep track of them all?

Looking good! So exciting to watch them grow.

 

[Shellz]

Funny you should say that, lol! I know there's 7 boys & 5 girls. I count them at different times of the day to be sure all is well. Thank god for my dogs! Moms & young roo are still caring for them. Chicks are starting to wander further, but still within eyesight. Once the breeding process begins, I'll make my selections, band them & put them into the breeding pen. Spring can't come soon enough!

The crowing boy, Thor, has a nice, low pitch so far.

 

[call ducks]

Shelly,

I highly suggest wing bands! I use what are call zip wing bands. I band chicks at about a week old. And for the most part the are permanent. You can even have them custom punched with whatever you wished!