New Arrivals!

[897tgigvib]

They are so cute! What is that one doing climbing on the feeder?

 

[catjac1975]

They are one of my favorite breeds. They are gentle and very soft to the touch. Have so much fun!

 

[StonyGarden]

Thank you everyone for your words of encouragement (well, except Monty)

The little guy on the feeder was trying to get closer to the lamp I think. I took that picture when the old bulb was still working but I don't think it was working very well.

Next weekend is fix the old coop weekend. It needs a new roof and the door to be fixed. We're also going to raise it up and put in a floor. Nest boxes will be built onto the outside of the coop so there will be more room inside.

 

[897tgigvib]

Makes me want chickens even more. I think I'd have everything completely ready for thrm for their whole lives first though, as much as possible.

 

[Southern Gardener]

Congrats on your new chickies! Buff Orps are the sweetest breed - you'll love them.

 

[MontyJ]

Next weekend is fix the old coop weekend. It needs a new roof and the door to be fixed. We're also going to raise it up and put in a floor. Nest boxes will be built onto the outside of the coop so there will be more room inside.

See? It's starting already

Of course, I was just having some fun with my post earlier. But everything I posted has happened to me so far. They are interesting to watch as they develope, because it happens so fast. Every day is something new. I jumped in with both feet and ended up with over 40 chickens of 4 different breeds. So, your experience will be much different than mine. Each breed seems to have its own little quirks and differences which makes the whole thing very...complicated, sometimes. The CX are the easiest to care for over all. Yes, they eat and drink a lot, and constantly need cleaned up after. so they are the most labor intensive. However, they are very docile and predictable. They don't fight, or go crazy. They don't even seem to have any personality. They just eat, drink, sleep and poop...a lot!

The layers are a constantly changing dynamic in the coop. It seems that every day they learn something new and exciting (at least for a chicken). I think the worst of it is behind me now. The CX will be gone in a few more weeks, and the final coop remodel will take place, which is nothing more than taking out the CX brooder. Soon, I will have the run built and the layers will be going outside for some free time.

Don't let my humor discourage you. But do be aware that they go from fuzzball to hell on wheels in a hurry! Now, go check those butts!

 

[StonyGarden]

Oh no Monty I knew you were teasing. I should have put a laughing smiley or a LOL in there somewhere.

My MIL got 6 rhode island reds and 5 bantams and her reds are crazy and wild. They do not like to be held and run when you open their enclosure. I like mine docile and tolerant of being messed with.

I have enjoyed them so far. Coop construction will begin next weekend. This weekend has been helping my MIL spread mulch and plant flowers. Hopefully my mulch will be delivered tomarrow or Tuesday.

 

[desertlady]

My favorite breeds! Ive got 4
of them! Good luck raising them.

 

[897tgigvib]

I saw some chickens that color, nice regular looking chickens, buff coral colored like that, on my way to town the other day.

 

[so lucky]

Even tho they love to be held and will soon be jumping up on your lap every time you sit down, they probably won't ever like being caught and picked up. They scream bloody murder for an instant, then realize you are not going to rip them to shreds, and settle down to be cuddled. I guess it is just a natural instinct, since they are prey to so many critters.
And yes, the different breeds have different traits. My two easter eggers jump up on my lap and would be content to be held for hours. The Plymouth Rock will occasionally jump up on me but if I put my hand on her, she jumps down. The production red almost never wants to jump up. She is the most skittish, but the best forager, most consistant layer, very watchful.