- May 24, 2013
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Hello All,
My first introduction to chickens was on a farm about a year ago. The owner had a large flock and let them roam free all day. She had a few Polish and I thought, "I must have those some day." I was also able to witness baby chicks hatching (she had a rooster too) and the wonderful sight of them all loading up under the broody hen. I knew I would have them because I felt a peace while I watched their chicken behavior. Fast forward a year later and I ordered 15 hens from a hatchery (they sent an extra exotic breed for good measure) and things are moving along at warp speed. Right now they are in a makeshift brooder fashioned out of an old plastic pond liner my mom had laying around. Nearly 2 weeks old and they're already curious and trying to fly out. I've had some issues with pasting (sticky bottom) but I feel I've done my best to take care of it. I was worried about the 2 polish I got because they are temperate climate loving birds and didn't take well to the late spring chill of northeast Ohio. When the weather warms into the 80's, out to the grass they will go. I'm trying not to stress out too much because their coop isn't even built yet(!) but my dad and I are working on plans and gathering the required materials. I've read that they'll grow a lot faster than you think so it's best to move fast when preparing for them. I'm moving to a new house with my dad in a few weeks, which will be the hens' permanent home, that has 2 chickens left over from the previous owner. I ultimately decided to slaughter them because I didn't want to risk the chicks getting a disease from the fully grown layers. I'm excited, apprehensive and intimidated to start this journey into chickendom but look forward to the fun of caring for these special creatures.
My first introduction to chickens was on a farm about a year ago. The owner had a large flock and let them roam free all day. She had a few Polish and I thought, "I must have those some day." I was also able to witness baby chicks hatching (she had a rooster too) and the wonderful sight of them all loading up under the broody hen. I knew I would have them because I felt a peace while I watched their chicken behavior. Fast forward a year later and I ordered 15 hens from a hatchery (they sent an extra exotic breed for good measure) and things are moving along at warp speed. Right now they are in a makeshift brooder fashioned out of an old plastic pond liner my mom had laying around. Nearly 2 weeks old and they're already curious and trying to fly out. I've had some issues with pasting (sticky bottom) but I feel I've done my best to take care of it. I was worried about the 2 polish I got because they are temperate climate loving birds and didn't take well to the late spring chill of northeast Ohio. When the weather warms into the 80's, out to the grass they will go. I'm trying not to stress out too much because their coop isn't even built yet(!) but my dad and I are working on plans and gathering the required materials. I've read that they'll grow a lot faster than you think so it's best to move fast when preparing for them. I'm moving to a new house with my dad in a few weeks, which will be the hens' permanent home, that has 2 chickens left over from the previous owner. I ultimately decided to slaughter them because I didn't want to risk the chicks getting a disease from the fully grown layers. I'm excited, apprehensive and intimidated to start this journey into chickendom but look forward to the fun of caring for these special creatures.
