- May 2, 2012
- 10
- 0
- 22
I have 4 Buff Orpington chicks hatched on 4/26/12. They were adorable fluff balls, and my boys and I were fascinated! The changes they went through each day were amazing. We were amazed.
My babies a few days old:
At the same time, my father and I worked on the coop. I bought a set of plans, and we used those. The process was longer than expected! I learned a lot about construction process, running a drill and circular saw. I learned the adage "measure twice, cut once" well, even though I forgot it once in a while. I don't know exactly how much the coop cost. I think I don't really want to know! But I am so happy with how it turned out! Its a 4x4 coop with an 8X5 run.
My coop:
the chicks continued to grow. They were friendly and social. They were brooded in a dog kennel in the house, and were in the center of the household. They ran to the door to see who was talking, and would hop into a hand placed in the kennel. At one week, three had tiny tails, one didn't.
Chicks at 3 weeks old:
The chicks are now 5 weeks old. Saturday morning, I woke up to a funny sound, like a cat with laryngitis trying to yodel. I was certain I knew what that was! A trip downstairs to the brooder confirmed it: the funny sound was coming from Pete. It was funny to watch. It was like a sneeze, he seemed like he was trying to hold it back, but couldn't, and then it would burst forth, his wings back, neck stretched out so far. sometimes a sound would come out, other times, not. It was funny to watch!
But my neighbors have already told me that a rooster would not be welcome, and I honestly didn't want one in my tiny flock. A call to an acquaintance who was searching for a roo a few weeks ago was met with enthusiasm. She really wanted him!
She didn't want to add another chicken to her flock, despite wanting a rooster, so we arranged a swap. She brought me a Barred Rock
My new pullet She's about 10 days older than the others.
The resident pullets and the new girl settled right in together. I was very surprised, and was trying to figure out how to integrate them. I probably should have quarantined, but I wasn't set up for that, and I felt confident the new bird was healthy and coming from a safe place.
The funniest thing is that with No Pete, I Know Peace! I didn't realize what a disturber he was! The brooder was in constant turmoil, and there was continuous noise, movement, chatter. When he left, it was so quiet. Just the quiet murmur of contented chickens. I know that Pete will be happy in his new place. He'll have 8 new girlfriends, and be able to free range most of the time. This is so much more than I would be able to give him. I didn't want to risk having to find a home for him out of desperation, so I was happy to find a place so easily.
The girls are out in the coop for the first time tonight. Its oddly quiet in the house, since they're not here. They've spent days out in the run for a week or two, but this is the first night. Its hard to know who is more nervous!
Now to wait for the eggs!
My babies a few days old:
At the same time, my father and I worked on the coop. I bought a set of plans, and we used those. The process was longer than expected! I learned a lot about construction process, running a drill and circular saw. I learned the adage "measure twice, cut once" well, even though I forgot it once in a while. I don't know exactly how much the coop cost. I think I don't really want to know! But I am so happy with how it turned out! Its a 4x4 coop with an 8X5 run.
My coop:
the chicks continued to grow. They were friendly and social. They were brooded in a dog kennel in the house, and were in the center of the household. They ran to the door to see who was talking, and would hop into a hand placed in the kennel. At one week, three had tiny tails, one didn't.
Chicks at 3 weeks old:
The chicks are now 5 weeks old. Saturday morning, I woke up to a funny sound, like a cat with laryngitis trying to yodel. I was certain I knew what that was! A trip downstairs to the brooder confirmed it: the funny sound was coming from Pete. It was funny to watch. It was like a sneeze, he seemed like he was trying to hold it back, but couldn't, and then it would burst forth, his wings back, neck stretched out so far. sometimes a sound would come out, other times, not. It was funny to watch!
But my neighbors have already told me that a rooster would not be welcome, and I honestly didn't want one in my tiny flock. A call to an acquaintance who was searching for a roo a few weeks ago was met with enthusiasm. She really wanted him!
She didn't want to add another chicken to her flock, despite wanting a rooster, so we arranged a swap. She brought me a Barred Rock
My new pullet She's about 10 days older than the others.
The resident pullets and the new girl settled right in together. I was very surprised, and was trying to figure out how to integrate them. I probably should have quarantined, but I wasn't set up for that, and I felt confident the new bird was healthy and coming from a safe place.
The funniest thing is that with No Pete, I Know Peace! I didn't realize what a disturber he was! The brooder was in constant turmoil, and there was continuous noise, movement, chatter. When he left, it was so quiet. Just the quiet murmur of contented chickens. I know that Pete will be happy in his new place. He'll have 8 new girlfriends, and be able to free range most of the time. This is so much more than I would be able to give him. I didn't want to risk having to find a home for him out of desperation, so I was happy to find a place so easily.
The girls are out in the coop for the first time tonight. Its oddly quiet in the house, since they're not here. They've spent days out in the run for a week or two, but this is the first night. Its hard to know who is more nervous!
Now to wait for the eggs!
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They make you happy, and you make them happy. And there's eggs! Best wishes with your little flock. (They'll be fine tonight 
