Foster Mama Hens in the Brooder - A New Twist on Feather Dusters

 

When a mama hen abandons her chicks midway through brooding them, what can you do to save those babies and bring them up to be happy healthy adult chickens? I was faced with that dilemma last week, for the first time. Unusual for an Old English game hen, but there's a first time for everything. Papa Rooster is an Old English game, too - these will be pretty chickens!

I had heard of people using a feather duster as a 'foster mama hen', so when these four little chicks (4th is partially visible, upper left) were orphaned by their indecisive mama, I went shopping. I had settled the poor little orphans in a small brooder meant for up to ten baby chicks, and added the new feather duster when I got home from work the next day. It's similar to the color of the hen, and I'm thrilled to say they are thriving now!

They snuggle together under those soft feathers and sleep snug as little bugs in a rug.

Yesterday, it was warm and sunny, so they had a little field trip . . . long enough to get this photo, anyway.

Watching baby chicks who've imprinted on a feather duster is far more fun than using  it for its intended purpose.   😊

Have you faced this issue - how did you deal with it?

Baby Chicks, Valentines Day, Chicken Breeds, and Taming Your Flock

A Carrie Wood Graphic, blended with love and with gratitude to the artists/photographers at Pixabay.com

It's that month of tantalizing chocolates, wine and long-stemmed red roses, sparkling baubles, and a certain question being 'popped' (sometimes wished for - sometimes not).

But for some of us, (also known as the chicken 'afflicted'-or 'addicted'), it's also time to think about brooders, fluffy baby chicks like the one above and . . . a future filled with your very own 'farm fresh home-grown eggs' for breakfast! "YES"!

To ensure harmony in the home, we should never forget those highly anticipated symbols of romance. (That $25 or above purchase could save a bundle) 😉.

However, February is  also a great month to  take some time studying chicken breeds, and think about our purpose in getting baby chicks (eggs, meat, dual purpose, exhibition?).

There is a lot to learn in recognizing breeds and varieties of chickens . . . commit it to memory, though and it won't leave you. Once a breed is accepted by the American Poultry Association (or another country's equivalent) and published in the American Standard of Perfection   you can consider it to be rather permanent.

It's a rewarding mental exercise; at least that's the opinion of this book-worm.

Every breed is required to have:

• A specific type of comb (and wattles). Single, Rose, Strawberry, Pea, Cushion, V-comb, Buttercup, Silkie (Walnut)
• Skin color
• Earlobe color
• Number of toes (4 or 5)
• Leg color
• Body shape - "Shape makes the breed; color the variety" 
• Color/plumage pattern
• Beak color
• Eye color
• Angle of tail
• and, yes, even more . . .

Congratulations if you've already learned about the breeds and other chicken facts - you're well prepared to answer questions coming from new chicken hobbyists who naturally approach someone like you who is already a chicken keeper.

If the number of stores selling chickens, the growing number of new hatcheries, and the chicken coops we see popping up all over the place are any indication - there are no doubt many people who will soon look to you as a possible helpful resource on raising chickens.

It's a great feeling to be ready with accurate answers!

If you aren't feeling up-to-speed yet, why not study just one 'Class' of chickens at a time. Then, varieties of that class.

It is a lot to learn, but time goes fast when you're studying something you love! 

Where to start? Depending on where you live - the British standard, Australian, American Standard of Perfection. 

If you'd like to learn more about how to tame chickens, basics of exhibition, how to do a health check on your chickens, handling, etc. and get more enjoyment from the next chicken show you attend -  you might like this  newly updated book:

If you bought this e-book after it was published in 2012, you should be getting an email from Amazon letting you know that you can now download this update, at no charge.

This was the first book I'd ever written and in retrospect I realized it needed to be improved! Big time! Now, according to Amazon, this update is considered a "MAJOR quality improvement" . . . doesn't say much for the original, but I do hope you'll take the time to download this update.

Would love to hear your thoughts about it; just email scott@fortheloveofchickens.com. Or, leave a review, it will be much appreciated!

The paperback version, which should be published soon is 78 pages - and the original e-book was only 30-something. I believe you'll enjoy the content of this update - and you deserve it!

Because I don't appreciate chicken images in gray-scale, I chose white paper and full color for the paperback version - a bit more expensive to produce.

If you love chickens as much as I do, though, you'll probably appreciate the added quality.

If you didn't purchase the e-book, here's a link where you can check it out if you'd like:

amazon.com/Art-Taming-Chickens-Backyard-Flock-ebook/dp/B008OR9EEY/

Baby Chicks Bring Harmony to Home - Overlooked Benefit to Raising Chickens

Because of her decision to get started with baby chicks, a mother of three recently reported that her kids no longer 'start world war III' between themselves every day. First, the baby chicks - then a close call that scared the kids into obedience.

I've always believed that the fun and responsibility of raising baby chicks was beneficial for kids, but not actually having a family kept me from thinking about the sibling unrest that's pretty much inevitable. She said each of her kids has a specific job; feeding, watering, and dispensing treats. Sounds like an idyllic household, though this is likely not that rare among families that share this great hobby. I confess to being  unaware . . . Kudos to all who bravely soldier forth in times of war, feast, famine and assorted emergencies. Nothing like a brooder full of cute little fluff balls to make everything 'all better.'

Somehow or other (possible gremlins in my computer)  that email  vanished into thin air, so - to the lady who wrote it - my sincere apologies, I really did intend to write a thank you note - feel free to try again. 

###

Here are some photos from a chicken show a couple of weekends ago.



Brown Leghorn Chicks






Black Australorp Rooster

 


Egyptian Fayoumis

 


Blue & Barred Belgian Anterp Bantams

 



White Holland  Turkey





Reinventing The Chicken Coop, by Kevin McElroy/Matthew Wolpe

If you have baby chicks in the brooder, but aren't set up for housing them outside yet you're running late - but don't despair. This new book, Reinventing The Chicken Coop can save you. How can you go wrong when you have a lesson on tools, a complete supplies list, and easy-to-understand instructions to follow?

The only challenge may be that of deciding between the 14 models included in this book - since you may not have the luxury of an indecisive  'kid in a candy store' mentality. Every one of these 14 coops has style and is set up to function well for both the chickens and human keepers. Each coop was built for specific people, locations, and the architectural design that coordinated with the land and existing buildings. The authors, Kevin McElroy and Matthew Wolpe, really did their homework learning about the needs of chickens and their owners.

One model fits into a corner, in case that's the only space you have on your lot to put a coop. Another has stair steps incorporated into it (you can sit on the steps and relax to the soothing sound of  'chicken talk'), and then there's my favorite, which resembles a log cabin (it'd look great out in the wilderness). The variety is such that, if you're planning to build a chicken coop, you're sure to find a model that suits your needs. I also like the one with a 'rooftop garden' on top. Frankly, they're all really sharp looking, so you just need to see them for yourself.

If you've ever dreamed up a really cool coop design,but couldn't figure out how to get started with the foundation or attach a roof  - you'll get that 'aha moment' you've been wishing for. Even I can figure out the diagrams - and the only thing I can remember from my construction class is "righty tighty, lefty loosey", which comes in handy if you need to tighten or loosen a screw.

Whether you follow one of the plans to the letter, or make minor adjustments to suit your individual needs you'll end up with a chicken coop you'll be proud to show off when friends and neighbors stop by to see your chickens. The authors recommend materials that'll save money, too. If you have a source for pallets, shipping containers, or  scrap lumber . . . you owe it to yourself to get this book, assemble your tools and safety equipment and take action! Be sure to send a picture when your work is done!

Hop on over to the publishers at  www.storey.com and check out this book!

Unsustainable? Fake Eggs, Forget Chickens in Your Backyard

No, not fake eggs like those plastic ones you fill with candy and put in your kids Easter baskets! Did you see what this company in San Francisco is working on - for us all to eat?

A surfing trip (online) brought me to this CBS Local site in San Francisco where there's an article about a company on a valiant mission to save us from ourselves. The owner is quoted saying that raising chickens and eating the eggs is ". . . just unsustainable." Wait a minute, isn't  growing chickens in your backyard and eating the eggs they lay called "sustainable living"?

Apparently there are a few concerns relating to:

1. The tight living conditions of factory chickens.
2. The killer cholesterol contained in eggs.
3. Chickens becoming diseased and spreading the diseases to us.

Apparently, the concoction developed from high protein veggies is already being added to some mayonnaise, and cookies are being made using these new eggs . . .it's always a good idea to read labels. If you're allergic to eggs, it's a good option for you, but if you want the real thing and don't have any cholesteral issues, not that attractive a choice.

It struck me as amazing to find this article right on the heels of many cities finally winning their battles for the right to raise a few hens as pets and egg providers - and while residents of many more cities are still fighting for that right. Now the whole healthy, sustainable living, organic urban farm movement is being debunked - as unhealthy and unsustainable.

What do you think? Are you going to get rid of your chickens, buy 'factory made goop' to substitute for eggs . . . or be a rebel and order a brand new spring assortment of baby chicks?

How long did it take you to decide? Ah, you're a great Pet Chicken Enthusiast! :-)

Baby Chicks, Technology, And 'Dumb Questions'



One chicken breed that's a 'first' for me, Polly's a little blue Polish.

Okay, first of all, I was blessed and deliriously happy to get my very first digital camera (guess I can shoot a short video, too) in March and all I had to do for it was live one more year. Now, I am looking forward to actually figuring out exactly how to use it and all the fancy little do-hikie features it has. Some of the pictures I took of my new babies transferred over to my computer, some didn't. GRR"" I've got a picture of a blue polish I'm going to make magically appear somewhere on here, though  - but first . . .

a really dumb question. I'm sincerely hoping that one of you who also has a blog on blogger.com will take pity on me and clue me in. I'd like to comment back to people who take the time and put forth the effort to comment on my blog. But, how in the heck do I pull that off? Inside the dashboard there's no apparent option to reply to a comment, only to publish it or not. When I sign out, then comment, it appears that my comment only comes back to me as a comment 'awaiting moderation'.  Clearly I'm only moments away from sitting in a corner with a dunce hat on, but you gotta give me credit for speaking out and revealing the true state of my intellect. Please?    No?        Ouch!  I know this is doable. In fact, I'm absolutely sure it's so braindead SIMPLE, no one has ever asked it on the FAQ's!

Thank you from the bottom of my heart to all of you who have made comments - I sure do appreciate you.

Here are a few more of my chickens, this camera sure is fun! There's gotta be a way to delete the time label of when the photo was taken though, without cropping. These guys got out, the're so busy snitching goodies, they forgot to model and say "cluck".





Baby Chicks Have Arrived - A Bit Earlier Than Expected

The call came yesterday morning, thought I'd have until afternoon which was why I was a couple of hours away from my local post office at the time. I wasn't ready to panic, but the poor lady from the post office was quite concerned and feeling a bit helpless.

When I got there I heard them chirping away and saw the relief in her face. She had never heard about the fact that they live off the yolk at first and was relieved to learn it. I'm sure she was more than happy to get her day back to normal when I left.

They are just doing great! I ordered 10, and the hatchery sent 17! They're Old English, Wheaton and Jungle Fowl. This is the first time I've experienced the hatchery having included a heating pad in the box, I'm sure it helped a lot. Once home, I brought them out of the box one at a time, dipped their little beaks in warm water with a little corn syrup right away, so they're busily eating, drinking, and, of course, poop'n like normal.

I have two waterers in the brooder, the one with corn syrup added, and the other with an electrolyte and vitamin mixture added. Right away, I mixed a cup of water with Gro-Gel and put it on top of the egg carton feeders with chick starter in them. Of course I had the brooder pre-heated to 95 degrees F. They seem to be loving their new home . . . good old mother hen brooder. They need to grow big and strong, becoming beautiful will happen naturally. Some of them will be my show birds later this summer.

This is the time for great self discipline, tearing myself away from just watching the little guys. Nope, not progressing too well on that front right now. I don't pick them up and pet them for a few days so they'll have a chance to get settled, but sure am looking forward to that, too.

Hey, if you're one of those people still just thinking about getting chickens- seriously, you have to take the plunge . . . you'll love it, too! Want to learn more?  One source of information (all free) is http://www.fortheloveofchickens.com . Immerse yourself in all the information online about raising chickens, and you'll have plenty of confidence.

Pet Chickens Asked to Model Fashionable Attire! Sneak Peek - but act fast

Okay, this is going to sound a little weird . . . you ready?  Well, it was a day like any other - full of drudgery (ahem, don't tell my boss!) when out of the blue I got the call.
My friend wanted to know if she could use my (rather tame) chickens to model some fashionable creations. Uh, really??! "Yes" she said. She told me this story:
She'd seen a sign at a county fair in the poultry 4-H quarters, announcing a contest for 'Best Dressed Chicken'. Having had a 'passion for fashion' for years, her imagination took over and she began to design and hand-sew what she insisted were "to-die-for" outfits. Along the way, she'd learned that it was a relaxing, enjoyable hobby and that it brought out her creativity. How could I not be intrigued? I mean how often could this happen in the life of an everyday habitual chicken raising enthusiast?
Here's the scoop - this is something I've become kind of excited about. The modelling session is over, and my chickens performed like born (er, hatched) professional models! Talk about cute chicks!! But, the people to see these photos first are those who've signed up at http://www.fortheloveofchickens.com . It only seems fair-they entrusted me with their first names and email addresses. Plus, I've fallen down on the job of following up, so most of them probably surmise that I died in the past few months. They'll get a broadcast about these sharply dressed chicks in just a couple of days -- if you want to be among the very first to see these photos, just click on the link above, enter your name and email address, and you'll be part of a special few. By signing up you have access to my book on fitting and showing chickens, pretty informative - though I don't like to blow my own horn (honestly).
Get it now, before you forget. They really do look awfully cute - it's gonna make you smile! Then, hope you'll give me your feedback about it.

Pet Chickens Update

Baby chicks from last post are growing like weeds and staying healthy. One of the babies is starting to spar with Daddy Rooster - that relationship may end. The other four are pullets, so are very docile.

The other night, I went out to get in my truck only to find there was a bobcat under it - he sauntered off seemingly unafraid, without any confrontation. Up here in the Cascade mountains we had our first little snowstorm of the season;warmed up later in the day melting it all. Just equipped the truck with new snow tires, so am as ready as possible.

Here's another fairly new family. Mama Hen is an Ameraucana. You can also see my Japanese Bantam Rooster on the left and Ameraucana Bantam Rooster to his right.  So far, everyone is doing well, hopefully, the same is true for you and your chickens (and other animals-everyone who has chickens usually has a whole managerie, as well).
Feel free to continue contacting me (for all of those who are already keeping in touch). Or email me with any specific questions at scott@fortheloveofchickens.com - I enjoy hearing from all of you.

Baby Chicks . . . Doting Parents

A Mom, Grandma, and rooster teaming up to raise five baby chicks. The other night, I found the rooster, a Red Jungle Fowl, roosting with a baby chick under each wing. The mother hens (one a grandma to the chicks) are an Ameracauna and a Red Jungle Fowl. It's a little late in the year, but they're doing great.

The photo below actually shows all the babies.




Quite the little family.

 

Baby chicks galore - and two mama hens

Much to my surprise, I went out to feed my chickens one day last week and noticed two hens acting rather strange . . . they were lying close together side-by-side with their feathers plumped up. Didn't take much to figure it out once I put my hand out to reach for one of them. She didn't like it - at all. Somehow, I had missed a few days of this shared broodiness.

These two hens have decided "it takes a village", I guess, to raise baby chicks. They seem to be sharing the role of mama hen, and it looks like there are at least 14 eggs between them. Yesterday, I counted 5 that had hatched.

I've fenced off their little shared nest and will keep a close eye on them. This is the first time any of my hens have doubled up like this - interesting.

A Sitting Hen - How to Protect Her

A broody hen, when you free range your flock during the day, can sometimes appear to be lost. Not too many people live way out in the mountains, but I do, and awhile back I thought one of my favorite hens had been attacked and probably killed. I found her though, sitting on a clutch of eggs hidden by tall grass toward the edge of my property.

When this happens, it's advisable to put up a fence around her until the baby chicks have hatched. Doesn't need to be very big . . . maybe 3 square feet for standard breeds or 2 for bantams. I often drive tent stakes into the ground to keep animals out and drape a net over the enclosure. Then, put water and feed in the enclosure for her. Check on her as often as possible, but imagine a "do not disturb" sign is up.

Baby Chicks, Care, Feeding, and Taming

Baby chicks are pretty much like babies of all species in that they need a little help. First of all, when you first get them as little fluffballs in the mail from your favorite hatchery they need to be shown how to drink. Of course the brooder must be all warmed up and ready for them with their food ready for them. Take them out of the box they arrived in one at a time and quickly dip their little beaks in their water container so they'll know how to drink and where to find the food and water.

They learn very quickly and soon become adept at getting the nourishment they need to reach young adulthood. In addition to keeping the brooder clean and making sure they don't run out of anything, there's one "job" you'll want to do regularly. I usually wait two or three days to start this, but then I begin spending considerable time holding and petting each one . . . not for very long at a time, but a couple of times each day. This starts the taming process, which turns chickens into pets . . . but be sure to continue handling them even after they grow up. (Lot's more info on this over at http://www.fortheloveofchickens.com/ - plus a free book on fitting and showing, if you're interested).

Tame chickens are such a pleasure to be around and they do much better when showing them at the fairs when they're not flighty for the judges.

Chicken Anatomy - The Part You Seldom Notice

The "Vent" or "Cloaca" of a chicken is one of it's most important parts, though it's not a part of a chicken's anatomy you'd immediately notice or think about . . . not like a nice red comb, beautiful feathers, or strikingly attractive colors.

A while back, someone mentioned the vent in a Facebook comment, and another person asked, "what is the vent?" That's what inspired this post. Now, for people who've been raising chickens for a fairly long time, such a question may be surprising. But, you can't assume it's something everyone automatically knows. For newcomers to the hobby of raising chickens, it's important, as it relates to reproduction, elimination, health condition,and the production of the all-important egg.

The "vent" (Cloaca) is a bit different in a hen than in a rooster, just as there are anatomical gender differences in all species. The Cloaca is the part of a baby chick that specialists (a whole new career option!) examine within hours of hatching, so that hatcheries can send out orders to consumers like us who want to receive only pullets, for example. These highly experienced professionals are able to tell, through spreading this organ open slightly whether a tiny chick will grow into a hen or rooster. If you've ordered baby chicks a few times, you'll probably agree that they're quite reliable.

No reproduction would take place in the absence of this part of a chicken. Of course, it's also the part of a chicken that facillitates elimination (otherwise known as "poop" and referred to by avid gardeners as "fertilizer").

It's important that we take notice of the condition of our chicken's vents every once in awhile, because signs of health problems can be discovered by doing so.

In tiny baby chicks, for example,the vent can become pasted over -- this requires that we immediately and gently clean it off with a soft wet cloth, or the chick could die due to further elimination being blocked. Don't let this deter you from getting baby chicks, though, it doesn't happen all the time . . . and if it does, you now know what to do about it.

When you show your chickens, it's important to check around the vent before competition and clean the area if needed. Judges check every part of the chicken and assign points accordingly. Part of conditioning your bird is to let it become accustomed to every step the judge will be going through, so that it doesn't panic.

Fitting and Showing Plans for Chickens

This weekend seemed an ideal time to take a good look at my chickens to decide who to show late this summer at the local fairs. Everybody survived the  snow and freezing temperatures pretty well, but we're still getting plenty of rain -- and it's been pretty chilly.

So far, I'm pretty sure I'll show my White Leghorn pair, but just making a long list otherwise that I can trim in a couple of months. Some of the baby chicks I picked up in February are good possibilities, but they need to develop a little more to make a positive choice. Probably will limit myself to 8 or so chickens to take to the fairs.

How 'bout you . . . would love to hear about your fitting and showing experiences, too. It's still really popular if the show I visited a few weeks ago is any indication. 

Baby Chicks Again

So cool to be a daddy again . . . 12 babies this time. This early batch of babies is made up of 2 Golden Sexlinks, 4 White leghorns, 4 Buff Orpingtons, and 4 Rhode Island Reds. All are healthy as can be, but I was worried about one of the Leghorns for a number of hours. The poor little thing must have just been worn out, lively as can be now, scratching around with the rest of them.

Sure do love baby chicks, but then, who doesn't? Judging by the crowd at the feed store their popularity is continuing to grow. Someone came in ahead of me and bought all 100 Barred Rocks, so I won't be getting mine until the next order comes in, but that's okay.

So, how about you? Getting any new chickens for Spring and the summer shows?

Happy Valentine's Day!

Well, Valentines Day was yesterday, so this is a bit belated. Even so, hope it was special for all. Like most everyone, it was a work day for me.

Here we are in mid-February already with Spring quickly approaching. More and more people are becoming enthusiastic about keeping chickens as pets, showing them and making them the center of their family life. What an exciting cultural trend to witness! Love it!

I think every kid should have the privilege and educational opportunity to hatch some eggs, at least once when they're young. I guess they do it in classrooms sometimes and that's great, too. Caring for a brooder full of baby chicks is a really close second choice, of course. Seems we, as a society, kind of lost that exposure to rural living over the years. Just my opinion, of course. Don't mean to ramble on.

A couple of new books have arrived: Rare Poultry Breeds by David Scrivener. I'll be adding it to my library, it's nearly 300 pages, can't wait to read it. I already have 99% of the books on chickens and other poultry, so I have to be on the look out for new ones that come out. The other book is Keeping Chickens:Self Sufficiency, by Michael Hatcher. Am about to order it, too. Will try and get these out on my http://www.fortheloveofchickens.com/ site soon and will 'review' them for your benefit.

Her Town Took Her Pet Chickens Away!

Usually, I just mind my own business and don't get involved, but this is a compelling story . . .

A lady from a small town in New York was having a hard time. She had been diagnosed with cancer, and her chances weren't looking good at all.

In an effort to give her something else to think about (and something to live for), her husband decided to get her a gift. What was it? Well it sure was right down my alley, and yours too, if you're a pet chicken enthusiast!

He brought her 11 baby chicks! Well, as you can imagine, it didn't take long at all for her to fall madly in love with 'em. She named them, spent tons of time with 'em and sometime in there, she found out she'd been mis-diagnosed -- she didn't have cancer, after all! But, she did have some kind of bacterial infection that had damaged her lungs, and had surgery to remove the damaged area. Hope I'm recalling the details right.

What's important right now, is this!

Even though her husband checked the codes in their town (just like all the books tell us to do) to make sure it was kosher to have a few hens as pets (and there was no code at that time covering chickens), they've had those chickens taken away from them. The reason? A judge says they're "farm animals" and that they don't fall under the "pet" category.

Now, the couple has a fine levied against them for $4,000, in addition to their loss of the pet chickens.

You can read the news story and see the accompanying video by clicking below:

http://www.wten.com/global/story.asp?s=13783920

Since this lady, Brenda Helm,  saw my website about the hobby of keeping chickens as pets, she contacted me to ask if I'd be willing to write a letter to the judge explaining the growing popularity of this great hobby. She wanted me to let them know that chickens are regarded by many as more than "just farm animals". I said, "You Bet"! Why? Well, first of all, since the town had no codes in place at the time her husband got her the baby chicks, at the very least I thought this couple should be allowed to be grandfathered in, as they say. Second, the judge is obviously not aware that chickens are regarded as pets by so many people. Read the definition of "pets" below, then maybe you'll feel moved to write a short note to the judge, too, on this lady's behalf.

Please take a minute to check out the link below! If you do feel moved to help by writing to the judge, these people can certainly use (and will appreciate) your help! They're filing an appeal and you could make the difference in whether they get to bring these pet chickens back home.

The address is:

Stephen F. Swinton, JR.

Town Justice

One Niskayuna Circle

Niskayuna, N.Y. 12309

In my letter, I cited:

• The dictionary definition of a "PET" -- "an animal that is tamed or domesticated and kept as a companion or treated with fondness; kept or treated as a pet (a pet duck)"

• The fact that many hatcheries are shipping small numbers of baby chicks (from 3-10) to accomodate those who live in town and want to raise pet chickens as a hobby.

• Some quotes from The Complete idiots Guide to Raising Chickens, by Jerome D. Belanger, founder of Backyard Poultry Magazine, documenting the popularity of the 'chickens as pets' trend.

• And, the point that, though this trend may not represent the majority, other more "fringe" ideas and lifestyles are being given great respect, protection, and even privilege, under the law. I also mentioned that many pet chicken hobbyists are saving endangered breeds, so that they can be admired and enjoyed in the future.

Brenda Helm, is, as you can imagine, sick with worry about her "babies" who've been taken away to some type of "foster home" for chickens.

You can help her get them back, simply by writing a short letter to the address above!

Remember, your right to "pursue happiness", promised in the U.S. Constitution, could be compromised next!

I 've never gotten involved in anything like this, but I just don't believe that Judge realizes that people (not everyone, for sure, granted) like raising chickens, regard them as pets, and take excellent care of them.



Chickens Surviving the Winter Chill

Chickens are pretty well insulated, especially after growing their winter coat following their molt. They seem to love the frozen weather when I let them out for exercise during the day. It's been down to about 20 F so far, but no frozen combs to report. At night they snuggle together on the roost to stay cozy. I've been feeding them a little extra grain in the late afternoon . . . it keeps their little furnaces purring right along.

The layers have been providing an average of a dozen eggs a day, not as many as earlier in the year, but still plenty for my use and enough extra's to share.

In another month or so, the hatcheries will begin shipping baby chicks out to excited people everywhere. Making the decision about what to order is by far the biggest dilemma . . . after years of ordering I still change my mind a half dozen times. If you're planning to order baby chicks this Spring, try to let the usefullness of the breed dictate what you order. All the hatchery websites and catalogs give out a lot of facts about the breeds and it all boils down to whether you're raising chickens purely for eggs, for meat only, or as an exotic pet.

I guess the best solution is to look at the adult birds of each breed and pick the ones you like the most. After 20 years or so you'll have had an opportunity to experience raising many of the available breeds. I'm glad I'm not the only one who still looks at a hatchery catalog with the mind-set of a kid in a candy store. There's always next year for the breed you decided to pass on this time.

Have you figured out your choices for this Spring yet? If you've been bitten by this crazy addiction, bet you're at least thinking about it, if not, then you'll likely go through this entire year without experiencing "the best day ever, bar none".

My Pet Chicken Family, Adoptions Coming Up

Well, it's official, out of the dozen eggs my hen Henrietta was setting on, just five hatched.  My closest neighbors stopped by and she and her babies have now been spoken for. As soon as the baby chicks are 'raised', they'll all move down the road to their new home. All the babies look exactly like Barred Rocks, they're all healthy and the neighbors have been wanting a good mama hen for awhile now. Of course,I have visitation rights, will be fun to see all the babies after they're full grown. All pullets, from the looks of it.

Also, my neighbors bought several more of my menagerie for her boss, who runs a motel and restaurant at a tourist village a few miles away. He has a quality facility for them and features home grown eggs on his restaurant menu. He's right on the main highway and does a lot of business, especially during tourist season while the highway is open.

Getting another fellow worker into the hobby of raising chickens, too. He and his family are coming over this weekend to choose a 'baker's dozen' , twelve hens and one rooster. They want a good variety, so have come to the right place. I'm looking forward to showing them around. He's been building a chicken house and ordered all his supplies from Jeffers, through my website. That was nice of him, but he didn't do it entirely to be nice, he says he got a great deal.

I'll still keep my laying hens, some I've had as pets for several years and they still lay an egg every few days. I know, it's not financially "wise" to keep the hens so long, but here's how I look at it. Raising chickens is my hobby. I don't drink, gamble, eat out a lot or do anything else (well, except for buying chicken magazines and books) that the majority of people would consider wasteful, so I don't feel that keeping a few hens as pets for all their natural life is such a bad thing. They're about as special as my dog, cat, and rabbit.

If you're a die hard chicken hobbyist, maybe you'll understand. If not, well then, I'm still in the minority. Boy, I sound boring, don't I? Not bored, though.