We went to the poultry supplier and picked up our chicks today. They are now ensconced in our guest bedroom in their "beginner's coop" with newspaper, shredded paper, a heating pad, starter feed, and fresh water. I check on them frequently and make sure they are warm, fed, and happy. First day home ( photo / image / picture from marlingardener's Garden ) When they have a chance to settle in a bit more, I'll take better photos to post. I'm thinking this flock may be the Divas. I may name them after famous opera heroines. The last flock was named after famous redheads (Lucy, Ruby Begonia, etc.). It's so exciting to have little peeps in the house!
What cute little bundles of fluff!! I hope they all grow strong and healthy and that you'll keep us posted on their progress.
Cute chickens! Watch out for the chicken snakes!! Our neighbor had two in his chicken yard. He lost a few little chickens and some eggs. The other neighbor had a four foot one and lost all the eggs her chickens were sitting. dooley
Pictures as they grow up? City slicker question: I take it 'chicken snake' is a generic term for snakes that like eggs and little chicks? With their propensity to peck everything in site, snakes are excluded? Taking eggs from under the hen? Jerry
Huge awww-factor! I'd dearly like some chicks but I don't think our neighbours would like us to have any. Please enjoy them a bit for me too.
I only got up twice during the night to check on the little fluff balls (I have a LOT of self-control). They are peeping now so it's breakfast time! Jerry, "chicken snakes" can be any of several snakes. They steal eggs from nest boxes when the hen is not sitting, and will eat chicks, also. Our chicks are inside the house, and will be except for short excursions outside, in an enclosed pen, with me in attendance (think of a tall, tanned mama hen). We've had no problem with snakes in the coop. Our ladies are full-bodied and have attitude, and a snake doesn't stand a chance! Droopy, our hens are quiet, so if noise is a factor in your neighbor's objection to hens, get Australorps. A few eggs might change their mind, also. They don't smell if you clean the coop daily, and are really very entertaining.
I've been hinting around to my brothers that we need some chickens again... like when we were growing up. Hmmm... might just have to have a bbq to get them both over there at the same time.
What adorable little fluff balls. When I was about 7 my Mom won a radio contest and received a dozen baby chicks. Had to give them to a neighbor down the road when she realized she had no idea what to do next.
Kildale, NOTHING keeps me out of trouble, but the chicks do occupy a lot of time that might be spent in less respectable pursuits! Cheryl, get chicks! I can talk you through the first weeks when you have to be careful of them. After that, they pretty much take care of themselves if you clean the coop daily, give them fresh water and the best layer food, offer treats twice a day, and make sure to tuck them in at night. It's a snap! The chicks are currently taking a nap, after having their little inside coop cleaned out for the second time today. Tidy, they are not . . . .
The magazine Mary Jane's Farm in the April/May issue about raising a couple of chickens indoors. Instructions on how to build a coop for indoors using an old baby crib....and instructions for making Chicken Nappies (diapers) or they can be bought at www.mypetchicken.com
