My first batch of chicks arrived on Friday from Ideal Poultry. We ordered the Plymouth rock mix, and ended up with 12 barred rocks and 3 white rocks. One of the supposed white rocks has feathered legs, so I don't know if it's really a white rock with feathered legs, or if it's a surprise. It will be fun to watch. My guess is it's a Buff Brahma. I think I can safely guess two are roosters for sure.
My intent was to brood them outside. They're in a large dog kennel, with paper towels for the first 2 nights and pine shavings on day 3. we're using the heating pad and a towel covered cave instead of a heat lamp. we got quite a bit of thunder, rain and wind, so we brought them inside. they seem much happier! I want to get them back outside, but it's going to get cold this weekend, so we'll see how that goes. Once we get a roof on the coop, they can be moved out there, as we have an outlet nearby. Once they outgrow the dog crate, they'll be in the 54"x 52" urban coop run extension.
We have lost 2 - really no idea why. the first one died Saturday and my favorite (the only one I named) died the Sunday morning. One was found outside the cave, and the other was on the inside of the cave, at the back. No acting weird beforehand, no signs of injury, no pasty butt and they had been acting normal previous. I'm wondering if they could have gotten trampled? The heating pad keeps the cave around 90 on medium. on high, it's way too hot - like 104-108.
Their behavior is interesting/slightly shocking to me. I swear it's like they're in a wrestling match. one drinks from this waterer, then they all crowd around and want water. one eats, then they all run over there and eat. they jump all over each other - even from the little roost (like 1 inch high), like a WWE move. on a positive note, it's really nice how they put themselves to bed and they do great with the nipple waterer. They're really fun to watch and seem to be enjoying the perch, mirror and bowl of dirt I added last evening.
Speaking of pasty butt, is slightly crusty butt the same as pasty butt? Several of them here and there have had a little crust, but it's nothing really like the pasty butt pics. it doesn't seem to be affecting their ability to do poop, but I clean it anyways. Am I overdoing it?
Our dog is fascinated with them. she checks on them almost constantly, and loves to give them a sniff and a kiss (taste?) when I'm holding one. Hopefully her sisterly instincts will overtake her hunting instincts and she will not eat them.
