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

[Wrightsx4]

Im so excited for you nova! If I remember correctly you've had some of each type hatch now? You'll have your longtail

 

[saraki]

Ok, after a few days of reading in between my kids, farming, and other assorted chores, I have reached the end! Just wanted to tell you all how much I've enjoyed reading this thread. And Ben, I really appreciate your military service. My husband's cousin was killed in Afghanistan, so I realize how difficult it must have been for you and your family. Thank you so much.

I also love hearing about your resourcefulness. I just wanted a few chickens out in the yard and all of a sudden our coop has gotten huge and very expensive. Oh well, it keeps the hubs happy! I love that you are making such a family project of it

 

[saraki]

LoAh! Sorry, the nursing baby punched a button on my phone!

Anyway, I love that your kids will be able to look back and remember doing all this cool stuff with you. Have learned a lot from this thread and enjoyed myself in the meantime. And now I want to try hatching...my husband is going to go crazy when I tell him LOL. Love seeing the new chicks Nova!

 

[NovaAman]

Several of the Phoenix, one polish and one jap bantam. I am hoping that my yokohama hatches. I was/am very excited on that one. SO, 3 of the 4 breeds have hatched.

I sent the vid to my kids teacher on the one hatching, his whole class watched it just before leaving to go home.

 

[Bens-Hens]

That is such a cool feeling Nova, so glad you and your young one have got to live it. It's a whole new dimension to having a flock. I hope that brooder is all warmed up and ready to be invaded!

Saraki, thank you for your kind words, I am always humbled when someone takes the time and effort to stop and say thanks, or good job. For me, it's just been 'my life' the up and downs and I live it the best I can each day. It's not until there is a reason to reflect I look back and think "Wow, what a trip it's been"

So, sincerely, thanks again for the kind words and priceless gesture.

 

[NovaAman]

Up in your face chick video!

 

[NovaAman]

OH! I had figured out they were too hot in the temp brooder, I have decided to keep them in the house for a few days, then they will go in the brooder. SO, I used a tote, but BOY did it get to hot, made them pant. I wouldn't have noticed it if I hadn't watched the video. The thermometer I put in there was reading 90, so, I thought, hey this is good. THEN they kept knocking it around, so I put a wall thermometer in there and laid it flat, 105! Poor babies. ANYWAY, took the heat up and it cooled, then I moved them to a rabbit cage now, and they were able to ESCAPE! So, had to line the bottom of the cage several inches from floor up the wire wall with newspaper. They are now happy and content with the more room, and are sprawing everywhere. We have good temps.

Bad new, I lost one jap bantam to not finishing after it popped its top. Another pipped only and then died right away. I went to take all the shells out as this is day 23. I was not expecting any more to be pipped, I couldn't see that there was any. Turns out there was a yoko that was half zipped. OH POOP! I quickly closed the bator and crossed my fingers. I went to work, got home 5 hours later and he'd not progressed at all, HE WAS STUCK!, I un shelled him, and he's fluffed out pretty good now. WHEW! AND THEN... I have one beautiful little silvery blue guy who has a deformed leg. I am not sure if it is broken, it does seem to be a bother for him, he keeps holding it up. I do have a video of that too if you care to weigh in on opinions. I am hoping to get an answer from the guy who gave me the eggs. He's been in chickens for YEARS. He's less than 24 hours at this point. Will be 24 some time in the middle of the night... I just hate the idea of having to kill the little guy... SO, we are at 16 chicks now.

 

[Bens-Hens]

Congratulations and very cool video! I try stick my camera into the brooder from time to time and they all rush it, makes for some funny photo's. Will have to set it to video sometime.

Is that you in the video? Put a face to the user name! I have to admit, I thought I had been talking to a man! Must have been the 'man' part of your user name set my mind in the wrong direction. Unless that is Mrs Nova, then I was in the right direction and just confused and embarrassed myself lol

Well, all is well here, winter is approaching and I think our little ones may need an extra week before moving outside. So many males and so few feathers with a drop in local temps. Probably best to keep them inside. I have put their heat onto a timer which I reduce ever couple of days.

As a side project I have found myself wrapped up in Oz's project and trying to get his egg turner concept into a reality. Been interesting to get this far!

 

[NovaAman]

Lol, its Nova Aman. Lol I get joked on about it all the time!

 

[Bens-Hens]

OK..A wee bit awkward lol. I will still call you mate though, I call everyone that except my wife. AT least it was a simple thing hahaha. I have a friend named Carly, who called herself Carlz on a car forum. There were MANY people who read that as Karl well before Carly.

My timer adventures have been fruitless so far, although I have collected a few electronic catalogues. I will conquer the conundrum, even if it's just on paper.

I hope the 16 little ones are still going strong for you Nova.