Fugly Farm

[igorsMistress]

The chicks have been reluctant to go into their coop at night. I'm wondering if the owls come at night and harass them; could be the neighbors cat as well. I know we have at least 1 owl, but there's often a pair around at this time of year.

Temperatures are pretty chilly and a few of the chicks have shown an interest in the big coop. The small coop doesn't offer much protection from breezes, it was built for summer and fall temps. We have improvements planned, but not the time. For now I'm going to add a cinderblock and a 6 foot long 2x4 under the poop board and move them in there tonight.

I intend to paint the exterior of the coop this weekend before we get rain next week.

We've decided to keep the Salmon Faverolles boy instead of the Dorking mix. He is just so sweet to everyone, isn't related to the Dorking pullet, and he has a nice large chest and sweet puffy cheeks. I'm not really into the feathered legs, but I'm making an exception based on his personality. He's been trying to show the red pullets food he's finding, something he did for the younger chicks he grew up with..

 

[igorsMistress]

 

[BlueBaby]

It look's like they all made it to bed ok.

 

[igorsMistress]

It look's like they all made it to bed ok.

Yes, but I had to corral them in the mini coop and move them into the big coop. Everyone made it out alive though.

I'll tell ya, those MNN have some meat on them! I think I'm going to get some weights this weekend and band them. I'm also going to get weights on the Dorking and Faverolles boy for comparison. That Faverolles is so pretty! He would definitely give some color to the flock. Plus, I do love those cheeks.

 

[RUNuts]

Thank you for the information on the Naked Necks. I hatched 3 that are growing fast. These are 1/4 Red Ranger Naked Necks at 2 weeks old. Compared to what I remember about the Barnyard Mixes, these seem large. The red one is the largest and has a more erect posture. Guessing cockerel.

 

[igorsMistress]

Thank you for the information on the Naked Necks. I hatched 3 that are growing fast. These are 1/4 Red Ranger Naked Necks at 2 weeks old. Compared to what I remember about the Barnyard Mixes, these seem large. The red one is the largest and has a more erect posture. Guessing cockerel.View attachment 1985027

So cute! Did you make these yourself? I'd be curious to know how fast they grow for you. Are you growing for meat?

 

[RUNuts]

So cute! Did you make these yourself? I'd be curious to know how fast they grow for you. Are you growing for meat?

No, I believe we got ours from the same source. Yes, meat. I'd like a pullet for yard decoration and eggs, but will be keeping the smallest pullets from the Barnyard Surprise hatching. I believe I will try another round in the spring for next year's meat. Wish I could keep a rooster, but neighbors and rules prevent it. Trying to convince Crazy Lady to move.

The feather variation is intriguing. I see on yours that they have large bibs and yours have different parentage. Two of these have wisps on the neck and one has a bib. Reading on one of the hatchery websites, it states that chicks with any feathers on the necks are not sold. I'm liking the hatching eggs for several reasons.

 

[N F C]

Thank you for the information on the Naked Necks. I hatched 3 that are growing fast. These are 1/4 Red Ranger Naked Necks at 2 weeks old. Compared to what I remember about the Barnyard Mixes, these seem large. The red one is the largest and has a more erect posture. Guessing cockerel.View attachment 1985027

Great looking chicks!

 

[BlueBaby]

No, I believe we got ours from the same source. Yes, meat. I'd like a pullet for yard decoration and eggs, but will be keeping the smallest pullets from the Barnyard Surprise hatching. I believe I will try another round in the spring for next year's meat. Wish I could keep a rooster, but neighbors and rules prevent it. Trying to convince Crazy Lady to move.

The feather variation is intriguing. I see on yours that they have large bibs and yours have different parentage. Two of these have wisps on the neck and one has a bib. Reading on one of the hatchery websites, it states that chicks with any feathers on the necks are not sold. I'm liking the hatching eggs for several reasons.

What hatchery website did you read that from? I'm going to be working toward's the cleaner neck's over here.

 

[RUNuts]

What hatchery website did you read that from? I'm going to be working toward's the cleaner neck's over here.

"When breeding and hatching Turken only about 90% come naked necked and 10% come with feathers on their neck. We only ship you the naked neck chicks, however they will also have offspring if bred pure that will be 10% feather necked." from the website.

https://www.cacklehatchery.com/turkens-naked-necks.html