Feel like a new mother all over again!

[MadHens]

I have had chicks for 2 weeks now, and find myself checking on them while they're sleeping to see if they're breathing - lol! I used to do that with my kids when they were babies. I also don't freak when I get pooped on! Love my new chicks!


Two of my girls at 2 weeks old - Sophie (Black Australorp) and Princess Jasmine (Partridge Cochin).

 

[Vickilynn45]

Your new babies are adorable! I know what you mean, I slept on the couch for four nights so I could hear the chicks. I woke up at least four times a night to check on them and the temperature of the brooder. I was so worried- it was just like having new babies!

 

[sumi]

Gosh, I'm so glad it's not just me! I used to drink a glass of water before bed so I make sure I have to get up for a bathroom break at night. Just so I can check on the babies.
MadHens: your chicks are beautiful. Enjoy them while they're still small. These things grow so fast... and then it's time for the next lot.

 

[aoxa]

You are definitely not alone! Even with the # of chicks I have right now, I find myself constantly checking on them. I can not have them in the house, so they are in the barn in a special brooder I spent an entire weekend working on.

It took me a long time to find the right temperature. They don't like it as warm as they recommend for new chicks. More like 85 is just perfect. With it being outside, it's hard to keep the temperatures perfect for them, but they seem to be fine. I have 27 little ones in there that are a week old, 5 with a broody that are 5 weeks old, 8 that just turned 10 weeks and 3 that just turned 11 weeks. I am keeping the older 10, as well as 2 or 3 of the 5 week olds, and the 27 week old chicks.. I have to wait to see the genders. I hope to keep all the silkie girls, and maybe 2 or 3 of the others.

Here are a few of my silkies The 27 are the first hatched from my own chickens. That was a very proud moment.

 

[cary 1973]

I was the same way when I brought my babys home after about 4 night i moved them to the shelf above my bed so i just had to sit up in the middle of night and check on them instead of getting up walking across the room. it was like having new borns all over and last week they went out side and I still go out check on them before I go to bed and then up half a dozen times lession out the window making sure all ok and first thing i do in am is go check on the babys

 

[Ilovemyduckies]

When I first got my chicks this year I went outside at least 10 times a day checking on them. I had two chicks last year too, but I don't know why I am so paranoid this year. Last year, it was just make sure they are feed and check again tomorrow. I don't know how it happened, but I fell in love with one of the chickens AFTER it grew up. I've fallen in love with all of my chicks this year and they are still pretty small (that started the day I got them)! I don't know what happened!!!

 

[MadHens]

Thanks for your responses. I'm glad I'm not the only one obsessing over the chicks! Their brooder is in my family room. and I'm a SAHM, so I'm able to check on them way too much! I feel I have reason to though because I lost two chicks my first week for reasons which I'll never know - they just got kind of lethargic and died. Not sure if it was a temperature issue or not (even though I used two thermometers in their brooder). Now I'm worried about my Easter Egger because she started sneezing yesterday and sounds a little raspy. Went to the feed store today (where I bought her from) and they recommended giving water with apple cider vinegar and some scrambled eggs. They even offered to give me a new Easter Egger, but the new one is at least a week younger than mine, and looks smaller; my kids would know in a minute that it was different. So, I find myself checking often to see if she's getting worse, or if anyone else is getting sick. I hope not; I've only been doing this for 2 weeks and don't want to get discouraged.

 

[highpointfarm]

congrats=] You may never get over the protective mothering nature, or You may come to realize as I have that chicks way more adaptable then some people give them credit for =] Either way, They will be VERY happy chickens =] And you will be a happy mom =]