carolehodge
Chirping
- Apr 17, 2019
- 8
- 25
- 54
Hi I am new to this group but not new to having back yard chickens. Thought we were going to retire from raising chickens when the kids left home. The last one left 6 years ago. My 3 remaining girls are 8 years old. We really miss the fresh eggs and are tired of spending $5 a dozen for cage free organic eggs. My new babies are now 5 weeks old and I moved them in the coop with the old girls this weekend. I have 10 babies. Started with 12. 1 died at just a few days old and 1 was lost to a hawk last weekend. I have 2 buff orpingtons (my favorite breed) and 1 of each of the rest; Silver cuckoo maran, black splash andalusian, Road Island red, bared Plymouth rock, Easter Egger, Splash Java and a White Leghorn. I hope to get a good variety of egg colors and shades. We have installed a homemade hawk deterrent system. We strung disposable pie pans with reflective tape on both sides all over the yard and the chicken run. So far it seems to be working. They will remain locked in the chicken run for at least another week before we release them to free range. The 3 old girls are not happy about being cooped up. I have been giving them extra treats to sooth their nerves. Today is day 2 and they don't seem quite as annoyed. I know a lot of you will think I put the babies outside too soon. I live in GA and our days and nights have been super warm. We are all much happier with them out. Well, all except the 3 old girls.
Best wishes and have lots of fun! 
we are so glad to have you! 
Glad you joined.
