Redinator's First Hatch-Along w Bonus Broody: And Everything Thereafter

[redinator]

I don't react too nicely when Soup bites me either! I get it!

I just realized . . . I named Pot and Kettle those names because they were the only two black chicks I had at the time. When you said "Soup" I was like OMG I predicted it. I knew Taz was a nut job from day one.

 

[redinator]

Oh I get it! I was going on and on about my hatching plans to my husband over coffee this morning.

I was showing my son the 2 level brooder and he just rolled his eyes and walked away.

I'm starting to think they (my dad and son) were hoping it was just a phase and I'd get a few chickens for pets and be done with it. My dad says everytime he looks in the yard he swears there's 10 more, lol.

The funny thing is I've sold/rehomed a few in the last couple of weeks.

 

[AnneGirlGG]

I just realized . . . I named Pot and Kettle those names because they were the only two black chicks I had at the time. When you said "Soup" I was like OMG I predicted it. I knew Taz was a nut job from day one.

Yeah Soup has been feisty since the word go!

 

[redinator]

I'm learning a lesson this winter.

No chicks in winter! From now on I'll plan for the last batch of chicks to be at least 4 weeks old by the end of October.

The temps during the day aren't too bad, but overnight it's in the mid 40's with rain in the forecast.

If I had a traditional wood coop that wouldn't be an issue. Since I have open air runs I wouldn't be comfortable putting chicks outside until they're fully feathered at 6 weeks, which just seems unfair to the chicks.

 

[redinator]

I sold the bantams to a neighbor today. She has a pen setup specifically for them and will be keeping them contained.

I was beating myself up about the decision to sell them, but when she came to pick them up she was so happy, like a kid at Christmas, I knew I made the right decision for them and me.

The zombie maker chicks are still indoors . I plan to move them outside at the end of the week when they turn 6 weeks. The weather has been too damp and cold for me to be comfortable having them outside. If there were more than 5 I might've moved them out earlier, but 5 bitty chicks just doesn't seem like they'd generate enough body heat to keep eachother warm.

 

[redinator]

We had a particularly heavy rain last night that left standing water in the the yard. I checked the run I intended to put the 'zombie maker' chicks in and the floor of the run is soaked, not from overhead rain, but water on the ground seeping in from the sides.

I'm glad I waited to put them outside, but now I have to figure out how to solve this problem and what to do with the chicks while I get it sorted.

Keeping them inside for much longer isn't an option since they're getting bored and cramped for space and they're starting to pick at each other from being stressed.