A Very Long Saturday

We woke up Saturday morning and realized we had lost almost half of our chicks. What happened we don't know. We think that it was a breed thing, as almost all of the Aracaunas and the majority of the Gold Links were the ones that died. We were afraid the entire "batch" was sick. Spent the day tending to the ones that were left. I am happy to report this morning, Palm Sunday, that the rest seemed to bounce back and are back to their perky selves.

Another Day Begins

Day 2 of Baby Chicks.....

All of the girls made it through their second night. Amazing, in one day they have gone from being lethargic chicks to talkative toddlers. They seem to have grown overnight!
Their adult counterparts in the coop are up to their usual spring mischief, laying all of their eggs UNDER the coop (where I can't reach them!) So, bless Bob's heart, he shoveled mounds of oak shavings underneath to squelch their plans. It's a tough thing when you spend YOUR days figuring out how to outsmart your chickens!

24 hours

I am pleased to say that after almost 24 hours, we still have 40 healthy chicks! Last year, one of the Orpingtons died the first night. The first week is probably the trickiest time for survival. I did wake up at 1 a.m. and checked on the girls. They were completely out of water (I have to keep in mind there are 40!)and one of the buffs was laying in the water dish. I thought, "Oh no, here we go again!" But once I picked her up, she was fine. I also realized the heat lamp may have been several inches too close. So many things to get right in order for them to survive. As I sit in the kitchen typing this blog, the lovely cheep, cheep, cheep, warms my heart!

The Chicks Are Here!

Today was a big day! A beautiful assortment of chicks arrived this afternoon. We have Rhode Island Reds, Buff Orpingtons, Gold Links, and Aracaunas. They are all different colors and a chatty group as well.
It's amazing that you have to "teach" them to drink and eat when they arrive. I have been dipping their beaks in water waiting for them to catch on.
1 day old. It doesn't get any "newer" than that~

The Joys of Spring!

Now that the weather has turned, it is truly a joy to go out and hang out with the girls. They love Mondays as their coop, water, and feed containers all get scrubbed. I caught the girls watching the geese on the lake when I arrived. They have the best view on the property and love gabbing with their relatives as they come and go. Tomorrow the baby chicks arrive! As I recall, I ordered 5 different breeds so they will be a colorful bunch. Stay tuned for updates and possible pictures of the new arrivals. Eggs are in demand! Currently, we are selling a combination of blue, green, and brown. The price is $5.00 per dozen. We encourage you to recycle your egg cartons! Post your orders here.

Hello from the Henhouse!

Ah, spring has finally arrived. The girls happily cluck and strut, no longer confined indoors because of snow, ice, and cold! We will be adding more day old chicks on Tuesday!