Minnesota!

[FoxyChicken]

I can't get enough of these babies!!

 

[nordicacres]

FoxyChicken, too cute! I'm hoping we have a few broody hens who will raise chicks for us next Spring!

 

[gofeedthegirls]

I can't get enough of these babies!!

Foxy, that middle picture had me laughing!

 

[lalaland]

sweet! nothing better than chicks and a broody. I could watch them 24/7!


That little creamette legbarI have that has been ill is still with us, but I can't imagine for long. Eats, poops, but is weak. am guessing she has tumors doing something internally. She is still alert, interested...but sometimes has to wing walk and nap. It seems like it is a hard week for tripell's creamettes

 

[FoxyChicken]

After having a broody hatch and raise these chicks, I can't imagine doing it any other way! Unless you're doing it on a larger scale of course. No worrying about incubators and their temperature and humidity, and then no worries about heat lamps and fires. The chicks just seem so much healthier and mom is teaching them everything, plus they're already a part of the flock! It's a win-win-win situation.

 

[Bogtown Chick]

It's official. No Fern tonight again. I'm thinking tourist dog over the weekend or bird of prey. Sickening. But a sad realization of free ranging. I wouldn't do it any other way though. The birds get so much from it and are so happy. The losses for me have been two birds in over 3 years.

One thing I noted though is that Roger is taking the girls over to the neighbors. That bin that the bear is hugging is a corn feeder for deer and guess what is laying on the ground over there? Corn!

So they are spending their day loading up on chicken crack. Ruining my good diet efforts for them with mainly formulated feed and free range natural goodies. And when the neighbors are up there is a yellow lab hunting dog there. He stays home but if chickens are over there... Well... This is my own fault then. They still come running when I get home but seeing them come from over there disheartens me. Maybe I'll ask to put a low fence around the feed. That allows the deer but dissuades my flock.

 

[duluthralphie]

Sorry, to hear, she is not home. I had my fingers crossed for you.

I am torn to by the creamettes. I like free ranging, but am afraid to free range them. Or Thelma and Louise. I know they would like it but i am not ready to let them be eagle food yet.

 

[Rhetts]

Oh Bogtown! I am sorry to hear that! How unfortunate! It always seems to be the favored ones that go first.

 

[Bogtown Chick]

Thanks Ralphie. They are a convenient size for birds of prey. My other loss was a bantam. Standard birds--never had an issue.

DH thinks I'm presumptuous to ask the neighbors to put in the low fence. I don't know what else to do other than boxing them in their run or running miles of fencing around mine.

 

[holm25]

I'm sorry to hear that BC.

Ralph I won't free range my rooster from Triplell. I am scared that will be the one birds I miss to an eagle hawk or some other varmint. We did have owl issues last year and in February but that's it for predators