You know it's officially and really truly SPRING
when chick day arrives.
Turkcy chicks!
Auracana chicks...
This morning I picked up seven new chicks at Lakeside Feed
to be raised and introduced to the girls out in the hen house
once they're old enough.
I have yet to convince Frasier that these are not chicken nuggets!
The poor chicks were born two days ago, delivered to the feed store yesterday,
and took another trip home today with me...
quite a lot of stress for a new baby bird.
I settled them in immediately with heat lamp, food, water and clean shavings.
They promptly fell asleep, some while standing...
Joining my crew are two cuckoo marans (good brown egg layers)
two auracanas (blue egg layers)
two comets (good brown egg layers)
and one Rhode Island Red (also a good light brown egg layer)
A sad fact is, not all chicks survive this stressful journey.
My first time around, one of the eight chicks I started with lasted only a few days.
These guys look so exhausted right now, but I'm hoping all will rally.
They'll rally! I had a light go out one night, and found the chicks all dying by morning... got the light replaced immediately and saved every chick!
ReplyDeleteAwwww, you take me back to my childhood. I love that smell of a baby chick's downy feathers. Their little peeping sounds, so dear. I am thrilled for you to have such grand additions to your greater family! I wish them all well.
ReplyDeleteHoping for a rally! Perhaps when they realize what a good home they'll have, they will thrive! Good luck!
ReplyDeleteAhhhhh how exciting! I want chickens so badly! Do they have names?
ReplyDeleteIn 1st grade Hannah's teacher hatched eggs in the classroom and the kids got to enjoy the chicks for several weeks. Hannah still remembers the one she was allowed to name.."Blackie" Of course he was a plump little black feathered thing, don't know what kind. As a teacher helper several days a week I found them delightful. Wish I could raise some.
ReplyDeletewhat a rough start to their lives...
ReplyDeleteAhhh- are they as soft as they look? Too cute- but fragile too I see. Ohhh- hope they make it!
ReplyDeleteOh, I hope so too. They are so cute.
ReplyDeleteMy mom always bought brown eggs, and I never really asked her why.
I just LOVE brown eggs! My grandmother served THE best brown eggs!
ReplyDeleteI hope they do well. Chicks are just the sweetest things.
ReplyDeleteOh- I can so remember getting these and bringing them home when I was a child. And, they used to even deliver them in a CARDBOARD box with round air holes in it. I can remember picking them up and that soft, sweet "baby chick" smell that came from them as I rubbed them against my face.
ReplyDeleteAren't you just in love? xo Diana