California - Northern

[dldolan]

Just got home after being away two days...and I swear my 4 week old FBCM's grew an inch! But oh my, do they look...um...ratty! Lots of skin showing through where they grew! Must be the style for tweener-aged chickens!

To top it off, I think that I might have boys. ARGH... That's what I get for only hatching a few, I guess. Anyway, I will have a couple (or more if all four are dudes!) ready in 4-6 weeks. Also the Splash Marans that my other broody is due to hatch out on Friday will be following this group.
Dawn (in Healdsburg)

 

[SunnyDawn]

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Yea I call that the awkward phase.

Brings back painful memories of my own awkward phase.

 

[dldolan]

So...the broody hatching seemed like a great idea. Chicks get great care under mama, she teaches them to find juicy bugs out in the orchard... but they are all a bit scared of me, even though mama comes right on over to me, is OK with my picking her up, etc. Is this the inevitable by-product of them being under mama and free-ranging most of the day? The modelled behavior by all the other hens is that I am OK and safe to come to! But the tweeners won't come closer than about 2 feet away. Humpf.

Any suggestions? I'd like them to be more comfortable with me, and I'll need to catch them to sell some when their feathers come in...

 

[classicsredone]

Hi everyone! Just wanted to introduce myself. I'm new to chickens, but I've always had animals around. We did the 4-H thing as a kid, and I'd like to sign my daughter up next year. She was super excited about chicks, so chicks it is.

We're just outside of Sacramento in a rural/residential area. Our babies are in their brooder for now, but we're working on a nice tractor for them.

 

[Anna_B_Happy]

I bring treats to get them to come over to me....mine love apple cores.

Anna

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[dldolan]

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that is what worked with my "Big Girls", but every time I go to try and make up to the babies, the big girls want the treats. Haven't figured out a way to let the young'uns just get used to me without the "tame" hens getting in the way...

 

[SunnyDawn]

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Welcome!

I take it by your moniker that you are into fixing up old houses? DH and I have been doing that for many years, although we are both getting up there now and it has taken it's toll on us. I loved this type of work a few years ago but this last one (that isn't finished yet) is really burning me out. Afraid this may be the last one we do (well with out quality help anyway).

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They will get used to you but it takes a long time when you are not the Momma. Think of it this way, they are programmed to run (in terror) from any movement or the presence of any large creatures. If they didn't do this they would be much easier for predators to catch. So just tell yourself they are smart little chickies that are more likely to survive.

As far as catching them goes, wait until they are settled in for the night. They are much easier to catch then.

 

[jaloola]

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Hello and welcome! I'm pretty new around here too.
Post some pictures of your chics if you can...we sure love pictures.

 

[dldolan]

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OK, SMART chicks. Got it.

But i think i'll have to join the "Constant, loud parties in the brooder" thread, as these ruffians come running out when I thought they were all in for the night... but NOOOO! And how to contend with mamacita??? Life is tricky.

Hello Classicsredone! Welcome!

 

[thebritt]

I was watching a news clip about stranded drivers in Chicago - spending 9 hours in their cars, covered in snow...The guy was asked how he felt about that, and he answered, "At least it's not an earthquake or hurricane." He's right about that!

But on the serious side, I do hope all our BYC people out there are hangin' in there!