University Chick Flock

Hi everyone. I am so happy to announce that as of Monday, the University of Rhode Island will have a brand new flock of chicks at Peckham Farm. It is the first time in a number of years that we've had a flock, and we are all so excited. The introduction of the chicks is a nice way to "round out" our farm, which already has resident groups of pigs, tons of sheep, and some dairy calves, not to mention the world's best mouser, Sophie the cat.

I'm sure that I'll be relying upon all of your stories and advice to complement the instructions of our faculty, and I hope to have some pictures to post somewhere soon.

-Kate Hoffman
Veterinary Technician
URI Animal & Veterinary Science Student

 

Hey everyone,

Tomorrow's the big day! (Monday) Our chicks will be arriving, and I'm sure the reality of not having had a flock before will hit us! Hopefully all will go smoothly.

On a side note, I just got back from The University of Pennsylvania State (Penn State) where my team and I took part in the NorthEast Scholastic Association (NESA) Agricultural Competition. For most of us, it was our first visit, and I am so proud of my teammates, many of whom are freshmen. We took overall second place out of eleven schools and there were some very bright shining stars who were awarded individual recognition.

One portion of the competition was Quiz Bowl, and there were many poultry questions. I am so glad that we're getting this flock because we've all been brushing-up on our chicken "trivia," and it helped us to get a good score.

Thanks for the warm welcome,

Kate

 

No baby chicks on Peckham Farm today

This is only the third day all winter that it's snowed here, and it was enough to disturb our delivery. Hopefully the little peepers are ok. Naturally, the delay has us concerned for their welfare.

As far as breed is concerned, we've ordered Rhody Reds (of course!) What's really interesting though is that our faculty advisor is concerned with the number of breeds that are endangered. He's implementing a program so that the university can help to safeguard the genetics of various breeds by maintaining a healthy population. I believe that he said the other breed we're starting with is a Delaware.

As a side note, I first became interested in chickens when a runaway Andelusian Blue made herself at home in my front yard last winter. I have no idea where she came from; there's not a farm anywhere near where I live in the suburbs. I can only imagine she was someone's pet. She set-up residence in the yard, and we provided outdoor shelter for her when we were expecting a storm, and decided that we had become responsible for her care and feeding, etc. We let her roam, because we felt it was sort of her right to do so. It turned-out to be the ultimate downfall though because after about six months of care, my partner, James, saw her being taken away by a hawk or another bird of prey. Despite his best efforts, we couldn't get the bird to let her go. It's the natural order, I suppose. I try to think of the baby hawks that got to eat that day, who might have starved otherwise. This flock feels like a really good way to re-live the friendship we had with our girl, Holly.

Our hen house is all ready to go, complete with rounded corners, heat lamps and very professional air handling system for warmth, and some feeders. Hopefully the babies will arrive safely tomorrow. Let's keep our fingers crossed.

-Kate

P.S.- Thanks for the congratulations, I am still stunned!

 

Had a great conversation with my faculty advisor this morning, "They're all here and they're all alive, and they're doing just fine."

Kinda' sums it up...

All the little fluff-faces have settled into their new homes and are having a world of fun eating mash, drinking water, chirping away, and loving the heat lamps! They wouldn't all stand still and pose for a picture, (duh!) but I managed to get most of them into one frame.

Our "Broiler Babies" (Plymouth Rock/Cornish Game Crosses)

Our Layer Birds (Rhode Island Reds, Blue Andalusians, Barred Rocks, Delawares, Anacuras)


I can't wait to see them all again tomorrow.

 

All the babies are still looking great. Is it possible that they've actually grown overnight?! Ha ha...