Hey Flock Fans!
Since Easter is upon us, I thought I would share my recent success story with my feathered friends.
My husband and I were at Tractor supply on Thursday (Durango, CO.) and they had baby chicks in. I normally buy my chicks from Murray McMurray Hatchery, but there I was looking at all their chicks. They were trying to get rid of some chicks that were about a week(?) old to make room for another shipment they had received. So they were selling for 50 cents a "peep" LOL Well I couldn't resist, so I bought 3 Americana pullets, and 3 Black Australorps. My husband, needless to say was less than thrilled as I have my hands full at home. But, my brooder was ready to go at home, so I figured it wouldn't be too much of a problem. So we were on our way home, and he mentioned that we would be leaving this week for about 3 days and he was wondering what I was going to do about the chicks while we were gone. I thought about this on our trip home to Pagosa Springs where we live. Then I had a light bulb moment. I have a hen at home that has been broody for about two weeks trying to hatch infertile eggs. She won't leave the nest and I keep having to dig the eggs out from underneath her. So, I thought... hmmm I wonder if I can give her some chicks to adopt. I have read about this, but never attempted it. "Bold move, Cotton!" I got home set the brooder up, wrangled her into it (she wasn't happy) and then brought the chicks out. She looked somewhat aghast. The chicks basically just huddled in the corner away from her and she didn't move. I kept checking on her throughout the evening and not much action. Next Friday morning they were still huddled in the corner, and she hadn't moved. They looked cold. I have a light on in there, and a cover over the door to keep heat in, but I was not optimistic about my plan. Well, being the pushy person that I am, I decided to force the issue. I started placing the chicks right up next to her and holding them there. She growled in disbelief and her feathers got in a ruffle, but I persisted. She pecked at them a few times, but the chicks actually started burrowing under her. She was not thrilled, but didn't try and kill them, yea! I kept coming out to check on them, and when one little gal was out by herself I put her back underneath. I am happy to say that this morning all the little peepers are snuggly underneath her and she actually seems content. I think that is so cool!
Since Easter is upon us, I thought I would share my recent success story with my feathered friends.
My husband and I were at Tractor supply on Thursday (Durango, CO.) and they had baby chicks in. I normally buy my chicks from Murray McMurray Hatchery, but there I was looking at all their chicks. They were trying to get rid of some chicks that were about a week(?) old to make room for another shipment they had received. So they were selling for 50 cents a "peep" LOL Well I couldn't resist, so I bought 3 Americana pullets, and 3 Black Australorps. My husband, needless to say was less than thrilled as I have my hands full at home. But, my brooder was ready to go at home, so I figured it wouldn't be too much of a problem. So we were on our way home, and he mentioned that we would be leaving this week for about 3 days and he was wondering what I was going to do about the chicks while we were gone. I thought about this on our trip home to Pagosa Springs where we live. Then I had a light bulb moment. I have a hen at home that has been broody for about two weeks trying to hatch infertile eggs. She won't leave the nest and I keep having to dig the eggs out from underneath her. So, I thought... hmmm I wonder if I can give her some chicks to adopt. I have read about this, but never attempted it. "Bold move, Cotton!" I got home set the brooder up, wrangled her into it (she wasn't happy) and then brought the chicks out. She looked somewhat aghast. The chicks basically just huddled in the corner away from her and she didn't move. I kept checking on her throughout the evening and not much action. Next Friday morning they were still huddled in the corner, and she hadn't moved. They looked cold. I have a light on in there, and a cover over the door to keep heat in, but I was not optimistic about my plan. Well, being the pushy person that I am, I decided to force the issue. I started placing the chicks right up next to her and holding them there. She growled in disbelief and her feathers got in a ruffle, but I persisted. She pecked at them a few times, but the chicks actually started burrowing under her. She was not thrilled, but didn't try and kill them, yea! I kept coming out to check on them, and when one little gal was out by herself I put her back underneath. I am happy to say that this morning all the little peepers are snuggly underneath her and she actually seems content. I think that is so cool!
