***OKIES in the BYC III ***

[Ironsights]

Well after the Canadians nests were covered with water, there were 3 pairs and 4 goslings in the yard this morning. They hung around sitting in the shade under the trees and eating grass until bedtime.

 

[jrjoplin]

The new flock is 5 1/2 weeks old and I'm already debating adding some more. I knew it was a long shot but I was hoping for about a 50/50 split in my straight run order. While my survival rate was great, I still have 24 out if 26, my roo to hen ratio is more like 70/30. Murray McMurray sent 8 pioneers and my opinion is that they are a meat bird not a dual purpose. At 5 weeks they are twice the size of the others and are already showing weight to frame issues. They'll be headed to the freezer once they reach processing size. I'm thinking I'll add about 15 more and this time order all pullets. I'm also looking to add a little more color to the flock because MMM, while technically it was an assortment, sent 4 breeds of white chickens. I have white orpingtons, rocks, wyandottes, and giants; all very nice birds but of the 16 remaining after the pioneers are gone 9 of them are white.

 

[mjgigax]

I have found the Marans very addictive. Not all the eggs turn out to be the chocolate brown color you see in pictures so often, but all are a very deep brown. Just something neat about them. Also good, big eggs. What's more, I really like the chickens themselves. Calm, but alert, not fighters as far as I can tell, and generally not too noisy. The roosters are absolutely beautiful, and though I've given all mine away now, none were aggressive toward me.

I've got some chicks out now, and a few eggs in the incubator. Going to buy more from a seller here on BYC.

I love Marans too. This is my Splash rooster, Russeau,
He is very friendly and good to his girls. I just love all the blue on his chest

 

[cscigu]

That Splash roo is nice. What do the hens, and their eggs look like? My hatching eggs are turning dud, I'm afraid. I've had the worst luck the last few times.

(edit)

I looked those up, and see that the hens are a white speckled variety. Nice eggs, too. I've had a ban time with anything white getting picked up by hawks, though

 

[cathiesue]

Well after the Canadians nests were covered with water, there were 3 pairs and 4 goslings in the yard this morning. They hung around sitting in the shade under the trees and eating grass until bedtime.

I'd love to see pictures. Baby animals are so much fun

 

[beautifulpirate]

I love Marans too. This is my Splash rooster, Russeau,
He is very friendly and good to his girls. I just love all the blue on his chest

What a beautiful guy! Marans are on my wish list for the next batch of chicks we get.

 

[Sooner Magnolia]

Here are the chicks I took home: Any breed ideas? They are all backyard mixes.
Nutmeg (may become Mr. Bean 'cause it
feather legged
stands up straight when startled

​

Facebook (per kid) feather legged and hatched from a dark egg. BCM or mix?

Not yet named Maran mix?

What a cutie I think this one hatched from an olive egg. They have a beautiful lavender orpington rooster.












Not yet named. Puffy cheeks

​

 

[Sooner Magnolia]

@NanaKat Our broody went back to her box in the coop when given a chance to get out of the crate. She has been back there for 3 days or so. I decided to use cardboard to block off her end of the coop and try again to give her some babies. I'm thinking I should give her 2 tonight and get up early to check on them. Then she can have the other 3 tomorrow if I can trust her. Does that sound like a good plan to everyone? I can take the nesting box, cover it, and move them all back to the box on the ground at night after a few days.


Would they be quieter if I let them get a little cold before the move?

Is it necessary to remove the two golf balls tonight? I don't want to disturb her too much in the process.

 

[NanaKat]

@NanaKat Our broody went back to her box in the coop when given a chance to get out of the crate. She has been back there for 3 days or so. I decided to use cardboard to block off her end of the coop and try again to give her some babies. I'm thinking I should give her 2 tonight and get up early to check on them. Then she can have the other 3 tomorrow if I can trust her. Does that sound like a good plan to everyone? I can take the nesting box, cover it, and move them all back to the box on the ground at night after a few days. Would they be quieter if I let them get a little cold before the move? Is it necessary to remove the two golf balls tonight? I don't want to disturb her too much in the process.

Is the hen's box on a shelf? How will you keep the chicks with the hen? If they are secure, then your plan should work. The chicks will come out of the box and will need a way to get back in with the hen...I'd remove the blue lid section. Food and waters hold be available. While they are bonding. Yes, the golf balls come out of the nest when you give the hen the first chicks. Not necessary to cool the chicks...simply slip them under her wing next to her side.

 

[Sooner Magnolia]

I just got brave enough to open the coop. Babies were under Marshmallow and she puffed up when she saw me. It sure is easy to see black babies under a white momma. I am so relieved!



On a somewhat related note, my husband told me that my dog got "confused" the other day and tried to get the one chick the other hen has. He said EVERY hen attacked her at once and our production red (not the mom) came over after that and gave her a lecture. We try to keep a close eye on her, but she probably won't mistake a chick for a mouse again.