ISA Brown Chicks

[JohnyMac]

As I have reported on the ERIN, we are down to two hens - Both, Plymouth Barred Rocks. We lost five hens and one rooster this summer to weasels, chicken hawks, and racoons. Our neighbor lost all of their chickens, approximately fifteen. They think it was racoons which they have caught three and promptly dispatched. They also lost all of their new chicks (Completely gone with no trace) they bought a week ago. I think a snake got 'em.

Well my neighbors bought me five ISA Brown chicks yesterday.



I was stoked this morning that they were all ALIVE! My experience has been you always lose one in the transporting/transplanting process.

Here they are after breakfast this morning under the heat lamp.



I am calling around this morning for Plymouth Barred Rocks and Rhode Island Red chicks. I would like to raise the chicks all together as a new/one flock.

Later today, I will get the coup ready to move the chicks into it tomorrow. I have to rig up a chicken wire divider to keep the grown hens from the new chicks. Then run electric to the coup for the heat lamp. They will have the pleasure of the heat lamp for the next 3 to 4 weeks. Each week, I will move the lamp higher and higher to wean them off the lamp.

[Jackalope]

    They look great, Johny!  Chicks are such a delight, and it's entertaining to watch as they grow up.

[Felix]

Green with envy.   Maybe I'll rig for chickens come next Spring.   Picking fresh eggs is the bomb!

[JohnyMac]

  Felix!

@ Jackalope, just ordered Plymouth Rock and RI Reds from Idealpoultry.com 

[Jackalope]

Our Rhode Island Reds are just starting to get their feathers.  We lost one during the first night that we had them, and that's the first time we ever lost any chicks, I guess we've been lucky.  Getting chicks this time of year means they'll probably be laying by New Year's Day.  We prefer to get them this time of year because they can be left outside on our covered back porch, and there's less risk of them getting cold.

[Nemo]

Y'all do realize much of the commentary here regarding colors could be considered insensitive. 

Nemo

[Jackalope]

All of my chickens' brown eggs identify as white.

[JohnyMac]

All of my hens identify as male, several times a year. That is when I receive no eggs.

[Nemo]

OK, so we are all good.  Remember, compliance is necessary.

Nemo

[JohnyMac]

I will finish the chicken coup remodeling project today. The chix are outgrowing their box so I am partitioning off the chicken coup for the chix.

If I didn't do this there is a good chance the grown hens will pick (literally) on the chix. There is a whole hierarchy thing in the coup going on here.

Pics to follow...

[JohnyMac]

As promised. The chix moved into their new home this morning.



I added the heat lamp for cool nights after the pic was taken.