So! I have a wonderful neighbor that only moved in a few years ago. He has raised chickens for many many years before moving here. We helped him get set up because he never experienced snow, let alone NJ winters, not some of our predators. I have him fertilized eggs when his wife wanted a few egg laying breeds rather than his fancy and pricey breeds. He helps me with treating illnesses and such even giving me medications I don’t have on hand.
I recently had a severe respiratory illness get one of my hens. He jumped right in to help and she is fully back to health. He then helped me treat the flock to avoid further infections. He showed up with his bag of tricks, set it down, and reached out to hand me something. Surprise! Two sweet day old chicks!
After my initial surprise and delight at these balls of fluff in my hand my heart sunk. I had to explain that I don’t brood chicks. Hens do all the brooding for me and I simply don’t have a broody at the moment. He couldn’t understand how I didn’t ever brood chicks! No matter how much I protested I was unable to do this he just “pishawwed” it and started exploring my yard for scraps to build an instant brooder. Ok this man is serious about gifting me these babies, what do I do now?? He is not to be denied or dissuaded!! He called his wife to bring a heating lamp. She has an almost 3 month old baby so she shows up with baby and lamp. (Of course I had to hold the baby before I could concentrate on developing a brooder
). We found a double length milk crate, covered it with a plate of strong glass from an old refrigerator, and added the lamp. Ta-daaaaa! Instant brooder for 2!
I love this man and his family. But he be one crazy guy! The kinda crazy neighbor you appreciate thankfully.
He pointed out how these chicks don’t cry for mama. Apparently it is something to do with their breed. The deal he made is if one or both are cockerels I will give them back to him. I get to keep any pullets. Gladly! I don’t need any more cockerels. Because English isn’t his native tongue he isn’t able to tell me what breed these babies are. So, any guesses?
Also, I’m concerned about the lamp position. It isn’t above due to lack of space. It is shining in through the side. Is this bad?
Oh my goodness what has just happened? What did this man just do to me? My whole imagination of my flock is about to change. I’m starting to consider drastic changes to my coop!
Life is an adventure. But Life with chickens is a wild ride!
I recently had a severe respiratory illness get one of my hens. He jumped right in to help and she is fully back to health. He then helped me treat the flock to avoid further infections. He showed up with his bag of tricks, set it down, and reached out to hand me something. Surprise! Two sweet day old chicks!
After my initial surprise and delight at these balls of fluff in my hand my heart sunk. I had to explain that I don’t brood chicks. Hens do all the brooding for me and I simply don’t have a broody at the moment. He couldn’t understand how I didn’t ever brood chicks! No matter how much I protested I was unable to do this he just “pishawwed” it and started exploring my yard for scraps to build an instant brooder. Ok this man is serious about gifting me these babies, what do I do now?? He is not to be denied or dissuaded!! He called his wife to bring a heating lamp. She has an almost 3 month old baby so she shows up with baby and lamp. (Of course I had to hold the baby before I could concentrate on developing a brooder
). We found a double length milk crate, covered it with a plate of strong glass from an old refrigerator, and added the lamp. Ta-daaaaa! Instant brooder for 2!I love this man and his family. But he be one crazy guy! The kinda crazy neighbor you appreciate thankfully.
He pointed out how these chicks don’t cry for mama. Apparently it is something to do with their breed. The deal he made is if one or both are cockerels I will give them back to him. I get to keep any pullets. Gladly! I don’t need any more cockerels. Because English isn’t his native tongue he isn’t able to tell me what breed these babies are. So, any guesses?
Also, I’m concerned about the lamp position. It isn’t above due to lack of space. It is shining in through the side. Is this bad?
Oh my goodness what has just happened? What did this man just do to me? My whole imagination of my flock is about to change. I’m starting to consider drastic changes to my coop!
Life is an adventure. But Life with chickens is a wild ride!
