the joy of 'babies' outside!

[turtlynne]

how much more fun it has been to watch new hatchlings developing outside in the coop! I have a really secure coop and run area for a "Mom" and her 9 mixed chicks - really wasn't expecting the chicks since three other broods never hatched(and believe me I gave them plenty of time)(proven wrong that Louie my 'roo was sterile - lol!). Since I had decided to leave the results to Mother Nature (and Penny the broody hen) I moved them to a 'baby proofed' outdoor portion of the run with small raised dog house for 'coop' at 3-4 days old after they hatched.(they hatched in community coop with no disturbance from other flock members) Now they can see the rest of the flock(and a couple of little squirmmers have managed to get thru that fence - with no ill effects) and they are so much more fun than chicks grown out in a brooder box! They were snapping at bugs within minutes of release; they are a riot taking dust baths and doing the 'mud stomp' when I make everyone a puddle these hot days; Mom is adorably vigilant and shares her treats and they climb all over her; they are growing and thriving and actually act so much like adult chickens I cannot help but laugh every time I am out there.

 

[sourland]

It is an absolute delight to watch a mother hen with a brood of chicks.