In the four years since we've had chooks, we've never managed to hatch any chicks. Those hens have just never been broody, at least whilst there's a rooster around. So when a friend put out the call on Facebook that he had some chicks to give away, we took three. Two black Hamburg/Frizzle crosses and a yellow fluffy something or rather. They are so cute, the black ones especially with their white fluffy bottoms and the children adore them. Although Spoon is taking an unhealthy interest in them too. The chicks will live in the kitchen under a heat lamp until they're old enough to go outside. About five weeks apparently. Although on sunny days they enjoy some sunshine on the lawn in a covered, hawk proof enclosure.
That takes the current total thirteen chooks living with us. Of course, wouldn't you know it, this week two of the big hens have gone broody with both of them sitting on a clutch of fertile eggs. Hmmm, we may be up for a few more chicks before this spring is through.
It seems some chicken make good mums and some dont...my ducks are the worst mums ever. They are good with the hatching then just seem to abandon them...heart breaking
ReplyDeleteLove em. So so so cute and fluffy! xo m.
ReplyDeleteWe have chickens at the moment too... love the little black ones, but the something-or-other is also adorable, of course!
ReplyDeletehttp://eatatdixiebelles.blogspot.com/2011/10/chicken-diaries-day-16.html
'awwwww' at the little fluffy white bottoms :)
ReplyDeleteOh I am sure I can help you with that! I am in HObart and have ALMOST convinced hubby we need to have some chooks (evil grin)
ReplyDeletethey are very cute. i have 10 chooks and im only getting 2 eggs a day !!! not happy.
ReplyDelete5 are new and should be laying as my friend bought 5 from the same person and she is getting 5 eggs a day, im getting 1 off the new ones and 1 off of my old ones. I have no idea what to do apart from wait and maybe despatch the oldest one!
They are adorable and would be a lot of fun to look after, dogs and chooks! Nigella is usually well behaved but if she visits our friends with chooks she can't help herself!
ReplyDeleteI have 34 eggs in an incubator at the moment! I have incubated 1 other lot but I have the broodiest chooks ever and they have hatched about 6 lots of chicks in the past 2 years. We love having the little ones around, but when half grow up to be roosters - not so fun. It's off to the big farm in the sky for them.
ReplyDeleteI've just discovered your blog and am impressed by what I see so far! Great photos, and I love your house! What a fantastic new pantry! New follower here :)
Nice to meet you!
Rach x
They are adorable. Sounds like your in for a lot of fun!
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