When your chickens are actually tiny dinosaurs.

[Icedangel11]

Well, I personally am excited to get my own Silkie T-rex.

Or Possibly a Showgirl Tarbosaurus. I've heard good things about the showgirl Tarbosaurus.

 

[deacons]

Oh yes, mine are good hunters. Mice, moles, voles, etc. don't stand a chance. In the winter, I notice some small mice try to nest in the thick straw I put down in the run for the girls, and the mice don't seem to last long. I truly couldn't believe that they were such efficient hunters.

 

[Icedangel11]

I need to teach mine to hunt mice. The neighbors will love me.


But, as a side deal, I'm a little worried about my chicky.. He's walking and moving around but he's 'army crawling' and wont stand like more chicks do. Since he can move do I just need to give him more time? His legs aren't sprawled out under him or anything, he's sitting normally. He's just not wanting to stand.

 

[tantricdragon13]

I need to teach mine to hunt mice. The neighbors will love me.


But, as a side deal, I'm a little worried about my chicky.. He's walking and moving around but he's 'army crawling' and wont stand like more chicks do. Since he can move do I just need to give him more time? His legs aren't sprawled out under him or anything, he's sitting normally. He's just not wanting to stand.

You said he was only a few hours old? In the past I've had chicks that didn't really bother to start walking until maybe a day old. They kinda crawled until then. I always assumed it was because of those big bellies that they still have from absorbing the yolk. If he stays behind his hatchmates, I'd definitely keep an eye on him. If it starts looking like there is definitely something wrong, take some photos and post to the Disease and Injuries section of the forum. I personally don't have much experience with splay leg, etc.

My sister and I have always called our teenage chicks "raptors". They looked just like little tiny dinosaurs running around the yard!

Since we live in the city, we're not allowed to free range, so my girls only get some foraging time when I am able to let them out. I still hope this discourages the rodent population. Anyone seen a hen take on a chipmunk? That's what I really want them to eat! There are holes EVERYWHERE in our yard!

Our neighbor has trouble with moles and shrews. Maybe I should loan her the hens?

 

[Icedangel11]

He hatched yesterday, but he's starting to stand more and more.. The other chicks were up and walking as soon as they were dry, so I dunno.. I'll just give him more time. I'd be a shame if the ONE baby that is actually HERS doesn't make it.

I loan my chickens out to my neighbors who had SERIOUS troubles with bugs in the past. Now they don't! XD

I'm pretty sure you could train a chicken to eat anything. Mine enjoy free access food, but because of a financial pinch sometimes they run out and have to fend for themselves. They recognize when feeds getting low and the adults start freeranging more so the babies can eat.

 

[Icedangel11]

Good news, the chick I was worried about is up and walking like a pro.

I also found my chickens' secret laying spot. Complete with 18 eggs. 15 of which passed the 'fresh tests'. Guess I get to eat some eggs for a while, eh?

 

[Teila]

That is good news Icedangel11

You can send some eggs my way ... for various reasons we have not had an egg laid for nearly 4 months

 

[Joski1995]

That's exactly what would happen if chickens were 4 foot tall. They'd steal babies. 

I'm excited about the babies, but I know it's going to be hard NOT to lose one or two. They are a biiig mix of Araucanas, Frizzles, silkies, marans, welsummers, and pretty much any other breed you can think of. Some have five toes, even! I can't wait to see what they grow into. The only chick that's actually hers is a Black Australorp (her) X black Orpington. He's gonna be a BIG baby!

I got a mix of chicks and 2 were 5 toed one died but the one that lived is a dorking hen I love her she is so sweet. And she's a very rare breed and she's an old breed dates back to bc pretty awesome I think I read up on them their suppose to be good mothers too. I plan on eventually having my whole flock only dorkings but that will take a while. She also has white legs

 

[Icedangel11]

Oh dear, one of the chicks has gone missing. 16/17 left.. I wonder what could've gotten it? I didn't find a body anywhere...

 

[Icedangel11]

Oh dear, I spoke too soon. I found the poor little thing outside. Looks like I got out of the brooder last night and probably got too cold or something. It's been around 57 in the night.

The 'hole' he got out of was a teeny tiny crack.. I'm wondering if it wouldn't be smarter to put obvious 'in/out' holes in the side so if they DO get out they can get back in. Specially since momma will probably start wanting to take them in/out in a week or two.