all chicks are still alive & well. we've been through a trauma of feather picking. my personal opinion (someone who knows next to nothing about chickens) is that feather picking is a combination of breed specifics, space too small, lack of stimulation (entertainment). white light probably contributes, but i can't attest one way or another. i have moved my gang to the coop. let me tell you it sucks to have to take 2 - 3 trips to the coop versus the garage to check on the darlins during the night. the little beasties are looking more and more like chickens - can you believe it? 'precious' (buff orp) always approaches to be picked up ( which continues to shock me). today she had to share space on my knee because 'sheriff' (also a buff orp) (probably a roo in the making) decided to join her. that shocked me too. my silver laced wyandottes, who have been the worst bullies, are starting to have a little beauty. they watch the buff orp ones approach me & decide to check me out too. the barred rocks & the black australorps ignore me. my hubby has created a temporary corral out from the pop door. we're going to open the door very soon & watch to see who dares to follow the sunshine. this has been a great journey. it's just that they are so vulnerable it scares me to go out there & find they've succumbed to any number of assaults. i have intent they will be dual purpose, but how would i ever eat a darlin named 'precious' or a hero named 'sheriff'?
I moved mine out to the chicken house last week. I always check on them in the morning and at night, and through the day if possible. I don't get up at night. You are a better chick mum than I
