Raising the Galaxies

[rosemarythyme]

We are supposed to get rain tonight and tomorrow. In which case the Galaxies will remain in their coop.

Really no reason to lock them in if it's raining, unless it's a severe storm in the forecast - they'll learn to deal with weather conditions and decide for themselves when they need to take cover.

 

[Hedgeland Farms]

Really no reason to lock them in if it's raining, unless it's a severe storm in the forecast - they'll learn to deal with weather conditions and decide for themselves when they need to take cover.

Ok! I think this one thing I am still being protective abt. They have a touch of down under their wings still and no heat source so I was worried they'd get wet and not be able to dry off.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Ok! I think this one thing I am still being protective abt. They have a touch of down under their wings still and no heat source so I was worried they'd get wet and not be able to dry off.

What I usually do is I keep an eye on their behavior in the first rain they face (actual rain, not just a light mist) - ideally I want to see them seek shelter if needed. Chickens are very good at keeping themselves dry, so even if they look wet, if you put your hands under their feathers, you should find that they're still dry near skin level, which means they can still keep warm without issue.

Rain is unavoidable in my neck of the woods. I expect 2, 3 week old chicks to know to seek shelter if the rain is too heavy for their liking.

 

[Hedgeland Farms]

What I usually do is I keep an eye on their behavior in the first rain they face (actual rain, not just a light mist) - ideally I want to see them seek shelter if needed. Chickens are very good at keeping themselves dry, so even if they look wet, if you put your hands under their feathers, you should find that they're still dry near skin level, which means they can still keep warm without issue.

Rain is unavoidable in my neck of the woods. I expect 2, 3 week old chicks to know to seek shelter if the rain is too heavy for their liking.

This all makes great sense. I've not left them out in harsh weather yet. I likely won't today just bc I am not home to supervise (12hr shifts)

But in the next rain fall I sure will observe.

 

[rosemarythyme]

This all makes great sense. I've not left them out in harsh weather yet. I likely won't today just bc I am not home to supervise (12hr shifts)

But in the next rain fall I sure will observe.

Tornadoes definitely count as severe weather! Hope you and the flock stay safe!

 

[Hedgeland Farms]

Thanks so much!!
And as always...thank you for your sound advice!!! I appreciate you following along and chiming in!!!!

 

[Hedgeland Farms]

March 31st.
I am gonna "HAPPY 5WKS GALAXIES!!" Tonight.

From this point forwar my updates will be less, pictures will likely be more than updates.

I had to work today so my 3rd let the Galaxies out into their run. Once the weather hit, my 1st reported that the Galaxies had all made their own way back into the coop, and she had shut the door. I was impressed to hear that, but was not shocked that the above advice was spot on.

They spent their afternoon and evening in their run scratching and pecking. Climbing and roosting. Flapping and sorting out some of the pecking order.

I spent a great deal of time watching them and enjoying their antics.

I am excited to watch them grow! They've been a blast thus far, despite our hard 1st week.

This thread was started to kinda document (in a loose-ish way) the weather (mainly tempature), the set up, the heat source, and their behaviors in those conditions. After everything, I feel like people don't give chicks enough credit!! They are tough little creatures. I definitely coddled my first flock, and there's nothing wrong with that, they LOVE me!!!

BUT

The Galaxies had less time with me since being brooded outdoors, and they are also starting to run to the fence line when they realize I am coming to see them!!!

So, while I thought that brooding in such a way may hinder our relationship, they are seeming to start to like me, (or realize I bring food lol) so I don't think it hurt anything.

 

[Hedgeland Farms]

Some updated pics of the Galaxies. They seem to be thriving and enjoying life. They are growing fast...almost 7wks. They will be getting some brothers in there soon enough as I have purchased hatching eggs.
There are a few already that I know will be harvested this yr as young pullets, just based on appearance
I know they are hatchery birds but that doesn't mean I can't be picky abt looks for the future of the flock. I think of trying to better the appearance as a little side hobby.

Anyway


Some updated pics

 

[Nero70002]

Do you have one that is your favorite in terms of best barring?

 

[Hedgeland Farms]

Do you have one that is your favorite in terms of best barring?

I do have a few!! They are mostly alright aside from a few with what i would consider muted bars.