We have Chickens!

A few weeks ago Kris picked up 33 day old chicks of various heritage breeds chosen for laying and meat ability as we don't know their sex yet. We have Barred Rock, Buff Orpingtons, Silver Laced Wyandottes and one unknown, possibly a Rhode Island Red. There was loads to learn: what to feed them, how to house them etc. For the first few weeks we had them in the house as the temperature was consistent and we could keep a close eye on them. Unfortunately, one of the chicks took a nose dive in the water feeder and never made it out so we were down to 32 chicks. A few days later I was cleaning one of their bums, which sometimes get blocked off, and returned to the room only to find Lucy in their brooding box, chasing after the innocent chicks. Two of them got a serious shock but seemed fine until the next day when we found one laying dead. On closer inspection it looked like Lucy could have broken one of its bones. So now we have 31 and they are doing great - they are out of the stinky brooder box and into their new quarters in the stable. Our German helpers Kevin and Dominic have made a Fort Knox so hopefully they will be protected from any critters that might want a meal. Hopefully we'll have some eggs in a few months!