I finally have chicks!!

[Beekercat]

After more than a year of lurking on these forums, I have chicks!

I was scared to death but now that they're here, I'm soooo happy that we got them. The whole family, complete with camera, picked them out at our local feed store this afternoon and I'm already in love. I'll post pictures once I figure out how!

At the Feed Store, picking out Blondie, our Light Brahma.

 

[TeamChaos]

HOW EXCITING! I think I talked about chickens for at least a year before I actually bought some, it's thrilling when they are real and they are *yours*! Can't wait for pics!

 

[Beekercat]

Our new ladies, as named by the kids:

Blondie, Izzo (okay, okay, I named ONE...after Michigan State's fantastic b-ball coach (I'm an alum)), Maple and Miss Kitty (remember Gunsmoke?). I can't believe how much I love them already!

 

[Beekercat]

I have a question...are RIRs very noisy? Miss Kitty constantly chirps, but otherwise she seems happy and content, running around, eating and drinking.

 

[WhetzelMomma]

Seems I remember hearing RIR are mouthy babies... and grown ups. Can't remember where. All I know is that my Sex Links (RIR is in the cross) are very vocal!! Could be coincidence. CONGRATULATIONS!!

 

[Boo-Boo's Mama]

I pleaded with my DH for 3 years about getting chickens. I finally wore him down; he is ga-ga over them...watches them all he can while at home and complains that they will grow too much while he is away his 4 days for work.

I told him I will take photos for him!

Can Miss Kitty get away from the heat lamp? Mine will take a nap under the light then run to the other end to eat and drink...if they get too warm they nap near the feeder.

Good luck with your lil ones.

 

[cheshie]

Congrats on your new babies!

I have 3 girls that are 2 1/2 weeks old (2 Barred Plymouth Rocks and 1 Easter Egger) and 4 more (straight run Silkies) ordered from a local feed store for deliver in the upcoming week. I always wondered what people saw in chickens...until I found this website. I became obsessed after perusing this site for several months and seeing so many funny stories. After I got my first 3, I was smitten with these amazing creatures. Just about 30 minutes ago I was sitting beside my brooder box with my arm hanging in the box...saying hi to my girls. Next thing I know all 3 of them jumped onto my armed, laid down and drifted off to sleep!

It was one of those moments that make being a chicken mommy so rewarding. I only wish I had had my camera nearby to snap a few pictures of the adorable girls sleeping on my outstretched arm.

I hope you get as much enjoyment out of your babies as I do from mine!

 

[Beekercat]

You guys are all awesome! I feel so happy to be an official chicken-owning part of this website now.

It was my DH's idea to get chickens, actually. He mentioned it last summer at the height of the US financial crisis, and got me to "research" it. That lead to me finding this website and then becoming OBSESSED with getting chickens. The rest, as they say, is history.

About the ladies: I have to admit I was really afraid of picking them up...in fact, I really didn't think I'd be able to do it. My daughter, who is 12, had no such qualms and grabbed Maple, her favorite (Silver Laced Wyandotte) and I figured she'd be the official "chicken picker upper" but Miss Kitty quickly decided I was "hers." She practically hopped in my hands when I was changing their paper towels and now I can't imagine NOT picking them up.

It's funny, the RIR was the breed at the store that I was most ambivalent about and she's turning out to be the sweetest thing. The Australorp, who is supposed to be sweet, is the one that doesn't want anyone to touch her. She's probably mad that I gave her a guy basketball coach's name.

Tomorrow we're going to Lowe's to buy a more secure top for the brooder. I don't like the way our cat is staring... Looks like Lucy the cat is gonna spend the night on the porch.

 

[Beekercat]

I'm like a proud mother with these things. I just sent to check on them and they're asleep - just to the side of the heat lamp area and near the food. My husband said it looks like they passed out at the bar. Just too cute. They've paired off, too.

 

[Boo-Boo's Mama]

Watching the chicks sleep is addictive...such an "Awe" experience

Definitely get a secure top...our 3 feline girls sit and watch the chicks on the enclosed porch with drool running down their chins!