Chick Update

Back in October we posted some information on a hen that actually hatched out 4 chicks. She was doing a great job. Unfortunately, it was October and the weather started to turn and despite her best efforts she lost two of the chicks. I was amazed at how good she was with the chicks. She had hiding holes all over the them. The problem is that in October there just isn't enough ground cover to help keep them warm or covered and between rain and cold, the weather got the best of them.

So we brought the last two in the house. Over the years we have kept numerous cages that we have used for various animals, like gerbils and rabbits, and these make excellent cages for little chicks. They are in a small one right now and then as they get bigger we will continue to move them into bigger cages. Works really well! So right now they are in a guinea pig size cage located right beside the fireplace. This is a great place for them as it keeps them warm and we don't have to worry about lights.

Yesterday, the biggest one (which I believe is a male) decided he was big enough to jump up to the top of their cage. I've been keeping the top open because when they are little they can't reach it. But now they can. So, on went the lid to keep them in. Of course, that doesn't mean they are always in their cage. I've been teaching them to be handled and to sit nicely on hands and shoulders. So they regularly get time out to get handled. They are both coming along very nicely.

The chicks hanging out on my arm.

This is the big guy - so interesting
watching the way the different feathers come in.

Another shot of the big guy. See the way his beak has more prominent ridges and his tail is a little more developed.

This is the little girl. Her beak doesn't have the same prominent ridges and her tail is not as developed. She is also physically smaller than the other one.

We always try to have a few hens and roosters that can be easily handled. It makes handling them for moving and catching so much easier. The other chickens learn by watching and when they see other chickens being caught easily and handled, they are much easier to handle. And it makes it nice when people come to see because then we can catch up a few chickens for people to pet - always a popular activity.

So, the chicks are doing fine. Their feathers are starting to come in - mostly black and white on the body, but their heads have some different colours so we will see where they end up. It will still take another month for them to be fully feathered and a number of months before they can go out, but they are doing really well.