Wow it's been a little over two weeks since I've posted anything, it's been really busy. Today the chicks are now two months old and they are growing like crazy! They all have normal feathers now and everyday I enjoy seeing them turn into the Buff Orpingtons they should be. The last two weeks we've been letting the chicks stay outside and bring them inside to sleep in the brooder, until last night. Every night at 8:15pm the chicks would gave at the back door and peak at the glass informing us we needed to bring the in. I finished the coop enough to allow them to sleep inside it. I got some minor things and major that they'll be able to stay inside the coop while I do those needs.
We've finally name all our pullets; Grenda, Jo Jo, Abigail, Leia, Ivy and Lottie and given two of the cockerels names Big John and Cluck Berry. We're trying to refrain from naming the cockerels only to make it easier on myself come butcher day. Each of them has their own personalities, Cluck Berry, and Jo Jo love their cuddles from the humans. Cluck Berry will even make noise until he get picked up or until you sit down so he can jump into your lap to receive pets. Abigail is a little spitfire but also loves her attention. I love seeing her run around catching bugs and at times acting all independent of the flock. Lottie is stand offish though she comes up to us at times. One evening she scared me because she kept on moving your crop around, when I felt it it was super hard. I did some research and thought it might be impacted. When I check the rest of the chicks I found that all of them had full crops. I figured right before bed they would fill it up.
The coop has been a learning experience as well as very rewarding. It's awesome to see the fruits of my labor. So far the only thing I can say that I'd change it laying a concrete floor and foundation instead of using treated lumber and road base. Overall it's a solid structure and it looks nice as well.
The peace the chickens have given me is worth far more than what I've put into them. I'm super excited for the first day I get eggs and the day we start giving away eggs because we have an abundance. Theres a few of the cockerels that I won't feel bad about butchering. I know they have a peaking order but some are a little too peaky, especially at my hands or arm. A few I had to give a stern talking to regarding their behavior, which seemed to go on defense ears. What should I except?
I've been considering my pullet count so we can justify having two roosters. Been thinking about getting a different breed. It's been really nice having the chicks work thr compost pile and eat grasshoppers and weeds around the yard. I guess the grasshoppers are bad this year, but it seems to be under control here. It cracks me up to watch one run across the yard to catch come butterfly or moth.
Well on to the pictures!!!
