Well, we officially have our first flock of chicks! We got them today from Orschelns. I really thought I was going to prefer Tractor Supplys chicks, but I didn't. I got 6 assorted layers, and 4 straight run barred rocks. I have to say, I am AMAZED by these guys! I don't know what I was expecting, but these chicks are so cute acting like grown ups. No one mentioned the little stretches they do, and the are literally melt your heart adorable! I have a few questions, but I'll post those after the pictures!
This is a little production red, and a barred rock. Actually I'm pretty sure the three types I have are leghorns, barred rocks, and production reds.
Here's the barred rock trying to peer around and find the rest of his/her buddies.
I was also surprised at the bit of comb this one already has.
Another barred rock. This one is actually the smallest one I have...too adorable.
Last but not least, what I'm assuming is a little leghorn. I have two like this and both have a few more feathers, and slightly bigger combs than everyone else.
As to a few questions...
1. I have seen a few of them wiping their beaks on the papertowels on the bottom of the brooder, is this normal?
2. These guys are PERSISTENT in getting to the pine shavings. They lift up the edges of the paper towels, grab bits of shaving, and then play keep away. Will playing with/pecking at the pine shavings hurt them?
3. My thermometer isn't doing a great job with the temperature. The brooder is pretty long and they are staying on the side that is mostly lit. They are not all trying to get away from the light, and they aren't huddling in the middle of the light, they're just kind of spread out on the side most lit playing and sleeping wherever. Does this mean the temperature is ok?
4. I dipped all their beaks in the waterer when putting them in the cage, but I've only witnessed a few drinking. Should I re-dip or should they be ok?
I think that's all the questions...for now!!
EDIT: Lol, just seconds later I remembered another question!
The little bit I have handled the chicks so far, they have been pretty scared, flighty and trembly. How long does it take for the to get used to me handling them?
This is a little production red, and a barred rock. Actually I'm pretty sure the three types I have are leghorns, barred rocks, and production reds.
Here's the barred rock trying to peer around and find the rest of his/her buddies.
I was also surprised at the bit of comb this one already has.
Another barred rock. This one is actually the smallest one I have...too adorable.
Last but not least, what I'm assuming is a little leghorn. I have two like this and both have a few more feathers, and slightly bigger combs than everyone else.
1. I have seen a few of them wiping their beaks on the papertowels on the bottom of the brooder, is this normal?
2. These guys are PERSISTENT in getting to the pine shavings. They lift up the edges of the paper towels, grab bits of shaving, and then play keep away. Will playing with/pecking at the pine shavings hurt them?
3. My thermometer isn't doing a great job with the temperature. The brooder is pretty long and they are staying on the side that is mostly lit. They are not all trying to get away from the light, and they aren't huddling in the middle of the light, they're just kind of spread out on the side most lit playing and sleeping wherever. Does this mean the temperature is ok?
4. I dipped all their beaks in the waterer when putting them in the cage, but I've only witnessed a few drinking. Should I re-dip or should they be ok?
I think that's all the questions...for now!!
EDIT: Lol, just seconds later I remembered another question!
The little bit I have handled the chicks so far, they have been pretty scared, flighty and trembly. How long does it take for the to get used to me handling them?
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