fuzzi's Chicken Journal

[fuzzi]

They're pretty well-feathered.

I find that my chicks often move away from the plate on their own.

I count 9 heads, most are out from under the MHP. A couple nights ago they all were squeezed underneath.

Maybe I should just unplug it.

 

[3KillerBs]

I count 9 heads, most are out from under the MHP. A couple nights ago they all were squeezed underneath.

Maybe I should just unplug it.

How old are they now?

I usually have my fast-maturing Australorps off heat at 4 weeks, but sometimes go 5 in cold weather or if I've ordered chicks that include some slower-feathering birds.

One time I went to 6 weeks for some Langshans that had the slow-feathering genes and still looked fairly naked at 5 weeks.

 

[fuzzi]

They're 5 weeks, hatched 2/27/23.

 

[3KillerBs]

They're 5 weeks, hatched 2/27/23.

I'd be fine unplugging the heat down to about 40F at that age with a nice abundance of feathers.

When we brood outdoors the chicks are hardier.

 

[fuzzi]

I'd be fine unplugging the heat down to about 40F at that age with a nice abundance of feathers.

When we brood outdoors the chicks are hardier.

It's my first time brooding outside, so I don't want to rush them. I can probably remove it by the weekend.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

They are growing and so cute!

 

[fuzzi]

I made an executive decision: I unplugged the MHP. It's going to be in the mid-sixties overnight and mid eighties during the day for the rest of the week. And beyond.

While visiting with the flock this afternoon I noticed some of the chicks using the 5 gallon port feeder. I put the metal base of the chick feeder next to the port feeder, but left the Mason jar reservoir off.

This weekend I am planning on removing the brooder and placing the roost in its place.

 

[fuzzi]

Update
"Blue" has been behaving himself lately, not pecking me at all. He likes to flutter up onto my lap, preen, and then take a nap! Reprieve.

But "Red/purple" didn't exactly peck my hand twice this evening, he pinched it hard with an open beak. Both times he got restrained for a couple minutes.

 

[fuzzi]

At 5 weeks:

 

[Wyorp Rock]

The little fellas are starting to show their combs aren't they!