The joy of chicks - just can't get enough!

[tomato lady]

I just started with chicks about three weeks ago. Got eight plus 4 to raise for another family member. My hubby thought that was more than enough, but they got in another batch at the feed store. Just had to get a couple of those.

Yesterday I went to the feed store to buy hay for the goats and they had a new batch of chicks. Araucana's have such cute little cheeks, just had to get 4 more. Smuggled those in on the DL. I figure, even if hubby goes into the coop, he won't take the time to get an accurate count.

I have 4 Light Brahmas, 2 Polish (call them my punk rocker chicks), 6 Jersey Giants, 2 Red Leghorns, and now 4 Araucana.
Older ones are flying now and at that half feathered stage. Polish are really looking silly with the uneven feather growth on their heads. I'll have to get batteries in my camera so I can post some pics. soon.

 

[bikergirl]

We need pics of yoyr little babys!

 

[tomato lady]

I did buy them from the local feed store. He called it an Araucana and also said it was an EE and would lay colored eggs. What is the difference? They are sure cute whatever they are.

The ones I got first are ready to spend some time outside. Everytime I open the coop door they are stretching their necks to see what is out there. My fence is not up yet, but I do have some posts in. Should I bury the chicken wire a few inches on the bottom? I do plan to put a top on it because we have a lot of hawks and wild things out here.
Will landscape netting used to protect fruit trees from the birds work for the top or should I use chicken wire? My chicken yard is going to be about 12 x 24.

Thanks.

 

[crazycluck]

I would love to see pictures of your light brahma chicks! I ordered 20 chicks from Ideals and got them on the 14th but we can't figure out which ones are the light brahma. ( I ordered mostly cochins, all different colors. But I ordered 2 light brahma and 1 buff brahma) What color are your light brahma chicks?

 

[cmom]

Feathersite has pics of chicks so you might be able to find out what your chicks are. Just click on the different breeds and you will get pics of the chicks. You may have to scroll to the bottom of some of the pages for the chick pics.
http://www.feathersite.com/Poultry/BRKBabyChicks.html

 

[danielbrown]

Heres some good info and pics of what your easter eggers might look like.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=128806

About the run.
Figure at least 10sft per bird then triple that. I never seen anybody complain about a run being too big. Chicken wire only keeps chickens in, it doesn't keep other critters out. Its a good idea to bury or turn the wire out flat on the ground a 1ft at the bottom. Bird netting can keep hawks out. I use 2x4 welded wire for my runs.

 

[jenni2142]

I would definitely use the welded wire instead of chicken wire. Mine is the welded wire fence and I stitched strips of deer netting together to cover the top to keep the chickens from flying out when scared and to keep the hawks out. I planted large 6 inch PVC in an M shape to give it extra support from sagging in the middle, run is 25+ by 35+. The netting and support cost me less than $50 all together and works very well.

 

[tomato lady]

My Light Brahamas were all yellow at 1 day old. Now their wing feathers are mostly white, some have a little grey on them. They have started growing feathers on their legs -- looks so funny right now. I have to get some batteries for my camera so I can take pics. I will do that tomorrow for sure.

My chicken yard is 288 sq. ft. I have all my fence posts in now. Have to build a gate too. House wiring project almost done, only about 140 tomato plants left to either give away or plant, so things are looking up. May have more time to spend on the coop. Still need to build the roosts and nest boxes plus cut the chicken door in the coop. My babies are eager to get out in the world.

Thanks for all your input. Will post pics real soon.