Our introduction to keeping chickens, the high's, the lows and pics of our journey.

[Bens-Hens]

We can get Welsummer's easier than Maran's I think around here.

I did read something about the beards being just three feathers n each side, maybe the lady had said her beards were muffed, not bearded? I don't know I was not there. Our's are getting the big bushy feathers over the top of the heads, nothing on the cheek though.

I am no concocting a plan to keep one or two Araucana roosters (pretty sure we have two) as long as we can past maturity, see if we can hatch a few of our own home grown bred chicks!

 

[NovaAman]

Great pics! I don't know who was funnier muggin for the camera, the chickens or you. LOL

I am on lock down for batch number two! Here is hoping that the 17 wigglers are all going to come out. I did leave the ones that I am sure are no good, but... 17 or them looked good.

 

[Wrightsx4]

Good luck nova!!! I hope all 17+ extras hatch! My lockdown is Thursday...Betty and I discussed it and she's going to do it her way. LOL Hatching with a broody is so different. I know you have broodies nova - do they get off the nest at all the last few days?

 

[NovaAman]

No. I only get out the fresh eggs. BUT I block the hens a day before hatch day so nothing happens to the baby chicks from the other hens, trampling...eating...

 

[Bens-Hens]

Good luck to both of you! I would love to use a broody some day.

Minor update after last night, all the chickens first night together, everyone is ALIVE! Went down this morning and all seemed pretty good, still separate groups but the 12 new birds also seem to be able to spread out a bit more. Having more space must be a bit daunting to them.

 

[ozexpat]

Greetings

Good to see everyone is busy.

I am still suffering from cola burns to my nasal mucosa thanks to Ben's wit. - still it was great for the cold I had.

I am one week into a multi breed hatch. Coturnix in 11 days.

 

[NovaAman]

Have 6 chicks out, 11 to go!

 

[Bens-Hens]

Woot! hahahahaha

C'mon little ones, you can do it!

On our front, we have about 4 little birds that make their way into the coop and onto a roost at night now, about 8 still need to be moved manually. Getting there slowly, after a few more weeks when I am happy that they will continue to sleep on the roost, I will remove some of the nesting box wire and throw in some straw. Fingers crossed we get an early layer!

 

[Bens-Hens]

All in the coop tonight, just 5 on the floor, everyone else was in the right spot. Soon, there will be one less job to do when I get home from work!

As for the two flocks joining, seems to be going pretty smoothly, bit of squabble, Lucky is the big boss, then Luna seems boss of the girls but is scared of Mr Tea, he sticks up for the little ones.

No crowing yet, so no cooking yet either. I might try and weigh to two big lads this weekend and get an idea of where they are at come the 15 week mark (9th June)

 

[NovaAman]

Spam time




It is chilly here for the chicks to be outside considering they are only a day old. BUT, I heated up a corn cob heat pad, put it in the bottom of a basket, put a hand towel over it, set the chicks in, and went out the door. Did the trick to keep them warm enough between takes. LOL. I am uber dork now.