Phaedra's happy mini flocks

[Phaedra Geiermann]

Hi there, after 6 chicks are hatched, now we have 16 birds. Chicken math is powerul than I imagined. I didn't expect that I will spend so much time learning and stay with them, so gradually I also want to make a thread to record them.

These five girls belong to one flock. One is molting, two are just out from the broody jail They are about 14-16 month old now

This hen (14 months) and chicks (7 weeks) she hatched at the end of June. Now the chicks are almost half of her size.

These four hens (12~13 month old) are in the same run with mama hen and chicks.

This is how 6 chicks looked like this morning, can't believe they are suddenly 7 weeks old now.

I planted a lot of vegetables and fruits, some are just for the chickens, usually in the morning I will use whatever available and suitable to make their breakfast (the rest of day they have access to commercial feed and water), for example, an apple, homegrown green beans (cooked), beetroot, carrot and basil are part of it.

For me, chickens offer important and lovely companionship for my gardening and daily life. There are still much to learn, but I am thankful to have them.

 

[sourland]

Lucky birds.

 

[Phaedra Geiermann]

One of my sweet girls, she is a Padovana (related to polish), about 14 months old.

When she was 7 weeks old

Another Padovana, she hatched 6 baby chicks this June

When she was 7 weeks old, they look funny when they were so young.

A molting EE and Marans, 16 months old

Once upon the time, when I just have them for a short time, due to her comb and wattle, I thought she is a rooster Now I know it's just a reference.

 

[Phaedra Geiermann]

Just made them a chicken tunnel

 

[Phaedra Geiermann]

After the chicken tunnel is built yesterday evening, today early I removed the barrier and let them get their dream job - chicken mowing!

As we have a lot of rain this summer, the pasture grass grow crazily, this time I kept a small piece of area for them to enjoy. Some couch grass might be more than 30cm, and as it's so wet, difficult for using mower too. Well, show time for our tough girls!

Girls: "Piece of CAKE! Let's first have a 30-second team meeting to sort out everyone's responsibility."

Okay, let's seperate, move, move!

They immediately start working and enjoy!

Time for us to go for weekly grocery shopping, let's see how they will have done later.

 

[Phaedra Geiermann]

When we are back, they already finished the work today and went back to shaded area for rest

 

[Phaedra Geiermann]

A mobile run for the chicks, kind of picnic?

 

[Callender Girl]

Looks like your lovely chickens are living wonderful lives. I think you take more care in making their breakfast than I take in making my own.

I always enjoy your posts!

 

[Phaedra Geiermann]

Today is really a "chicken sunday" - a lot of things done for them.

One flock got an party room with sandbath area, rainy days are also ok!
Some mixed wheat berries are sowed in shallow trays (on the roof) for them.

Where the small pallet is now, i might put a roost or a swing, not decided yet.

The other flock got not only a chicken tunnel, but also an extended playground into one corner of our hedge.

Mmm, after some time, I might get a more "nutritious" leaf mold? Here they have a small area with roof, can stay temporarily when it rains.

Look at them, what a relaxing life they have

Baby chicks and Mama hen got a mobile pen, which can bring them to many places with fresh pasture for picnic and camping .

Ah, of course, everyone has Sunday brunch for sure.

 

[Phaedra Geiermann]

Breakfast time!

Melon seeds contribute to the breakfast, rind with flesh rest in the fridge for summer afternoon treats, 0 waste.

homegrown carrot, boiled eggs (with shell)

Outer leaves of two different cabbage, some leftover rice and cauliflower

Also some commercial feed

Usually I will keep some scraps in the glass jar, for using next day

Flock one has 2 tough Marans, therefore two stations can ensure everyone get enough food.

They are all very healthy and laying well.
I also start making fermented feed.