October hatch "Grow-a-long"🐥

[kurby22]

The little munchkins really like to snuggle…and sleep super weird

 

[3KillerBs]

Since my 4-week-tommorrow babies are well-feathered I went out to see if they were making much use of their brooder plate. They're not -- sleeping beside it rather than under it even though I raised the legs.

Since it's going to be fairly warm at night this week -- mostly in the 50's -- I'll set up the integration pen tomorrow and move them to the coop.

 

[LadiesAndJane]

They're 4 weeks old tomorrow, well-feathered, and just about ready to go into the main coop.

See how easy Australorps are to sex at this age?View attachment 3313570View attachment 3313571View attachment 3313572View attachment 3313573View attachment 3313575View attachment 3313576View attachment 3313577View attachment 3313578

Alas, I believe that the splash is female.

They look great! I know you were hoping for a boy in the splash color. Though she will still be useful in your breeding program!

I’m super excited about the three blue Australorp chicks I am picking up today for my layer flock. They were hatched on November 1. Buying from a second party that had them shipped over from Ideal hatchery. Asked for splash if she had any but they were only blue that came in her shipment.

 

[3KillerBs]

They look great! I know you were hoping for a boy in the splash color. Though she will still be useful in your breeding program!

I’m super excited about the three blue Australorp chicks I am picking up today for my layer flock. They were hatched on November 1. Buying from a second party that had them shipped over from Ideal hatchery. Asked for splash if she had any but they were only blue that came in her shipment.

I have noticed that hatcheries are generally selling blue only for the blue breeds instead of BBS.

 

[LadiesAndJane]

@LadiesAndJane how is your little blind chick doin? How did you know it was blind?

Hey just got back from my three day work stint.
The chick is doing great! We have named her Beatrix. I think she just kind of goes where the other chicks go. She’s growing and always has a full crop at night so she’s figuring it out. She is sweet but definitely won’t win any beauty contests!
Reminds me of a little crow baby.

First realized she was blind/visually impaired when she didn’t come to the finger tapping and clicking sound that I make to get the chicks attention to come and eat. She was running into the side walls of the brooder until she realized where they were. She does track a finger sometimes, but it’s easy just to grab her without her even reacting whereas all the other chicks will try to move away from my hand. If I put her any place unfamiliar she’ll just stand really still and not move. I think she’ll do fine in a protected environment. Obviously won’t be used for breeding but she’ll probably lay eggs eventually, I’m 99% sure this one is female.

 

[LadiesAndJane]

The little munchkins really like to snuggle…and sleep super weird

These two are just super cute!
Will be exciting to see them grow. They should feather in completely white, right?

 

[LadiesAndJane]

@Gammas Bearded Babies, how are your little buff Silkies doing?

 

[kurby22]

These two are just super cute!
Will be exciting to see them grow. They should feather in completely white, right?

Yes, all white! I can’t wait for those cute little bearded faces in all white They’re seriously funny little chicks! I’ve never had any this needy for me over their brooder—they just stand in the brooder yelling at me

How are your babies doing?

 

[Gammas Bearded Babies]

@Gammas Bearded Babies, how are your little buff Silkies doing?

Long story...
The one I talked to you about in separate message didn't make it.
Then I got 2 I've been working with and 3 healthy.
Post in thread 'What did you do with your flock today?' https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/what-did-you-do-with-your-flock-today.1371402/post-26296226

 

[3KillerBs]

I moved the babies to the integration pen in the coop today at 4-weeks-old instead of waiting a week as I was originally planning since the weather is so warm right now -- nights in the 50's.

Of COURSE Rameses moved at just the wrong moment when I was trying to photograph him looking so proud of his kids.

Individual photos of the chicks here: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/2022-the-rest-of-the-story.1537198/post-26298572