Aww all cuddled together. Will you be getting more? Or wait till next year and see...
I wanted to get two Buckeyes and two Buff Orpingtons earlier this summer, and coop sleeping and run logistics pushed that to next year because I didn't want to set up another coop right now (it would have been eight chickens, and the coop I have will fit six) and I'm still working out the welded wire run configurations and what I'd need there. Then Peanut being ill threw all that onto the back burner. Here's my complicated thoughts currently. I haven't sorted it out.
Everyone's thoughts would be greatly appreciated!
I'm dealing with the sorrow of loss, but love the joy the ones who are still here is really amazing. I'm wondering whether I can handle it all, and handle the care each one may need going forward, and if increasing the numbers will translate to multiplying the worry. I have the finances now and have found vets, which eases the unknown aspect of worrying, but still. And there's a big time commitment, for instance I'm spending a good three-four hours a day in extra care right now, digging worms for Butters and trying to get her to eat. I suppose that one can put in only as much time as one wants. Sort of like giving under-skin fluids to our cat when she had kidney failure, or cleaning her wounds when she was attacked, etc, and giving her brother insulin and checking his glucose.
So getting more chickens, does that mean multiplying all this that many times? On the other hand --
The vet said (when asked) she says that it seems in her experience with clients it's luck of the draw how hardy the stock is when getting birds from hatcheries, she thinks it's genetics. She sees clients who get a batch of chicks and those birds have high mortality rates going forward, and the same clients have another batch that have lasted for years. I asked and she herself said she likes Murray McMurray. They have a minimum order of six chicks.
On yet a third hand -- Another consideration is for Hazel and Popcorn especially now that Butters seems to have one foot in the grave and one on a banana peel. I'm concerned for the well being of the remaining two, should Butters pass. They would probably do better with more companions /underlings (Hazel is Queen now) if they become just two. If one were to die, one sole hen is definitely not good.
Buckeyes aren't to be found now. There's still Buff Orpingtons, and I'm looking at Mt. Healthy. With minimum orders from this hatchery of three, if I order this summer I think six in the coop, three of them young, will work for this winter. I would probably set up another coop either this fall or next spring. The Omlet coop will fit six but I think with the heat and the size of these birds a second coop would be better. (See if they use it, hah!). Then if I'd like more Buckeyes maybe three next year? And that means eight or nine in total, over two coops.
I go in circles.
(babies, and you know me and babies 
)
