Riverwood Farm
Chirping
Our small flock, 7 RIR's, will be 22 weeks old this Sunday. I thought I was prepared for what was to come when we got them as 3 day old chicks. I wasn't. Not even close. I planned on having the brooder built by the time I bought the chicks. I actually finished it the day they outgrew their TSC cardboard box. I finally finished their coop the day they demanded better living quarters as they had outgrown their brooder box. I left them locked in the coop for three days to acclimate, then as I hadn't gotten around to constructing a run yet, I decided to free range them. They were quit vocal in their support of this idea. They've been on the go every since. And nobody told me how much time is needed for healthy, happy chickens. I have neglected most of my other chores here on the farm, as these chickens are so labor intensive. So much so, I haven't even been able to post on their progress since they were a week or two old. First I have to let them out in the morning and check their feed and water. They're always happy to see me, and are always milling around under foot as I check the coop. Then the real work begins. I have to check their feed and water at least 10 times before noon to make sure there's plenty. Especially the water, been really hot here on the Suwannee. And they need to be checked even more often in the afternoon, much hotter then, doncha know?
They also demand to be taken for walks around the property several times a day. They love exploring our woods. And so far, the Hawks, Kites, Eagles, Owls, Coyotes, Foxes, Raccoons, Bobcats, Panthers, Bears, Feral Pigs, Gators, Snakes, and neighborhood Dogs that live around here, have all left them alone. So far.
It's all been worth it though. The eggs have started. All from one hen. Her first was at 19 1/2 weeks. She skipped a day and then laid another. She skipped three days and then laid another. And she's laid every day since. 11 eggs from her in 11 days. Game camera and leg bands verify it's her. The other six seem to be freeloaders. But I'm easy, I'll give them all to 26 weeks to start laying before I start thinking about the grill. (chill out, I'm joking)
They also demand to be taken for walks around the property several times a day. They love exploring our woods. And so far, the Hawks, Kites, Eagles, Owls, Coyotes, Foxes, Raccoons, Bobcats, Panthers, Bears, Feral Pigs, Gators, Snakes, and neighborhood Dogs that live around here, have all left them alone. So far.
It's all been worth it though. The eggs have started. All from one hen. Her first was at 19 1/2 weeks. She skipped a day and then laid another. She skipped three days and then laid another. And she's laid every day since. 11 eggs from her in 11 days. Game camera and leg bands verify it's her. The other six seem to be freeloaders. But I'm easy, I'll give them all to 26 weeks to start laying before I start thinking about the grill. (chill out, I'm joking)
lucky you! sounds like you're loving every minute of chicken keeping, even checking they're still breathing! 
