The First Egg!

The chicks had taken to eating each other’s feathers. Watching this I noticed that it was all completely consensual but they were drawing blood on each other. It had to stop.

Feathers missing from the head courtesy of a friend.

I called to The Referee to come and help me to split up the blood thirsty chicks, which we did and then headed to the pet supplies store to buy some Anti-Pecking Spray.

Having read all of the instructions on our return we took the chicks out one at a time and allowed "a fine mist to fall over them" - they thought we were killing them!

We put them back into their run and watched as they continued to peck each and eat the feathers!!! Well that had been a waste of money!!! 

I made myself a very large cup of tea and then sat at my computer and researched. Protein it kept telling me, they need protein. So I gave them a mashed up boiled egg (if you feed chickens eggs they must be cooked to prevent them eating their own eggs). They were wary at first, but then WOW they went mad. They were pushing each other out of the way and grabbing beak-fulls and then chasing each other around the run trying to get the biggest and best bit. It was hilarious. I mean you could do away with your TV and just raise chicks!

They have since had two more eggs and now it is a race to get into the bowl first so that you can claim the best bits before your siblings get a chance. But the good news is they are no longer eating each other's feathers - although 2 of the (what we think are) cockerels have taken to fighting and jumping on each other's backs - just to keep the other in line I guess. But this is much more preferable to cannibalism, I guess.

The big wide world!!!!

As here in the UK, we are suffering with a 2-day heat wave, I decided that it would be a good idea to allow the chicks (back feathers accounted for) to have some time in the outdoor sun. Their run had been especially built (and almost finished) for the occasion. It seemed a shame to leave them in the shed.

So yesterday morning I rushed to find something to use as a roof for the coop and decided on a simple sheet of ply; it fit perfectly. I then turned my attention to the run, the holes in the chicken wire I had used did seem on the big side. A stoat or a weasel could easily get in so I put some netting over that and all was ready.

In pairs, they were placed into the coop and the roof was placed on top. They screeched and screeched - and then silence. Mr. Knobbly Knees, with his shorts on, opened the coop door and we waited ... and waited ... and waited. They did not seem at all keen to venture past the safety of the four walls of their santuary. So we took seats (it seemed like a sensible idea).

Huddled in their coop.

As we watched them, they peered out of the run on numerous occasions checking to see what it was all about, I suppose. Every now and then they would be faced with a rather large hybrid hen on the other side of the wire. This must have been a scarey sight as they had never seen a grown chicken before and the size difference is rather immense!

Peering out into the big wide world.

Slowly they ventured further and futher (I think having their food in the run area helped here) and soon they were all outside having a good nosey about to see what was what.

Out for the first time.

As soon as they realised that the amount of space they had here was much more substantial than inside the shed, they took full advantage and spread their wings - literally. This is indeed a funny thing to watch. Their co-ordination is not what you would call good. They run, they jump, they fly and they land - normally head first and frequently on the feeder, on the ramp and against the walls of the coop. This, however, does not stop them from trying again. When they are all at it, it is advisable to wear a nappy - laughing becomes mandatory!!

Holiday

We are going on holiday today and leaving our chickens in the care of Mr Happy's dad. Although I am well aware that he is able to care for the birds, as he has kept chickens and other birds for years, I still find myself worrying about them, will he remember to feed the chicks, change their water, handle them? I am starting ot think that maybe I should stay behind!!!

I know that I am being rediculous, but they have become like my babies - I guess you have to own chickens to get it. They are just so friendly and dependant.

Anyway, I need to get ready to go. There will, no doubt be write-ups when I return as well as pictures to show the drastic change in them.

6 days old and what a difference!!!

Peering into the box that contains a noisey rabble of downy bullies, I can see the vast differences in them. They have gone from scrawny little clumsy chicks, unable to stand on their feet, to fiesty little half feather, half down noise boxes. They have their daily dust bath in the wood shavings, they scratch around looking for extra food. I will not go into detail about what they did to the spider that got into the box, but needless to say the arachnid lost.

The pack of hunters

They were brought back into the house a few nights ago, because in traditional British Style the weather changed and it got too cold for them in the shed. Since being indoors they have thrived and the progress they have made is amazing. The have feathers already!! My image of downy fluff balls has gone by the by as they have gorgeous long feathers protruding from their wings and their tiny little bums.

Not only do their wings have feathers, but they also seem to know how to use them already! They use their wings to get to the food box or the lamp quicker than their peers. It is amazing to watch. They jump and spread their wings and glide over the 'competition's' heads.

A Splash Poland with wing feathers.

I have also discovered that the warnings on zoo cages are there for a reason. I have taken to placing my hand, very slowly into the cage and leaving it there so that they get used to it. Oh they got used to it. They climb on it and they peck at it and they even poop on it. I plan to invest in an 'ENTER AT YOUR OWN RISK' sign for the side of the box. They are evil.

A Silver Laced with wing and tail feathers

I have sat an watched them taking it in turns to peck each other half to death. They aim for the eyes and then, when they think their prey is weak enough they pounce and scratch their opponent with their hideously long toenails. Then it is the opponent's turn and so it continues until nap time. Nap time seems to happen a lot. They look so cute and helpless as they lay together each using its neighbour as a pillow. How misleading images can be...

The Big Box of Little Bullies

Having had these chicks here for a few days, I am starting to realise that they are of the opinion that (although not raised in the wild) it is a battle of the fittest. I frequently see them pecking at each other's feet or heads or eyes (OUCH!). I decided to video them for a few minutes to see what they got up to when I was not playing referee. Here is the video:

Apart from the incessant churping of the little pom-pom heads (bear in mind that they are living in the room that adjoins my bedroom due to the drop in external temperature), they are quite comical. I apologise for the pooping, but nature is what she is and so are my chicks :)

I hope you enjoy the video as much as I did. I even had a giggle when one chick was booted out from under the lamp. Anyway, I will cease my chatter and allow you to watch my babies in action.

Chicken Feed Shop Now Open :)

Brough Rare Breeds now sells feed for your chickens. We have a wide variety of foods for your birds from chirpy chicks to hungry hens and cockerels.

Chick Crumb

 CHECK OUT OUR NEW STORE NOW!!!!

We also stock a range of starter kits for your chickens. Each kit gives you a feeder, a waterer, feed, grit and oyster shell for 2, 4 and 6 birds.

 

Mixed Grit

We will aim to ship all orders within 24 hours of receipt of cleared payment.

New arrivals

Yesterday was indeed eventful and today it continues. Our first chick hatched at 13:30 and was followed by another 5, the last one at 01:40 this morning. Then all went quiet for the night, but there were still five eggs in the incubator and two of them had pipped. This morning it all started again. One of the remaining babies decided that it had kept us waiting enough and decided to make an appearance.  Now we are waiting for two more that have pipped, but think that the last two may not hatch at all :(

The New Arrivals as of last night.

Now, let me tell you about Golliath. He spent more than 13 hours trying very, very hard to escape his oval safe-house. He thrust and he writhed and he churped and he cried. He didn't seem to have it in him. So, although you are not supposed to we decided to help him out. Just a bit, remove some of the membrane and a bit of shell to make the hole a bit bigger. Give him a fighting chance of breaking free. Having done this, we realised that (although in one of the smallest eggs) he was, in fact, the biggest by far and had got himself almost folded in half inside the egg.

Golliath trying to break free from the wrong side of the egg.

We replaced the egg, having made the hole a lot bigger and The Shell Breaker said to leave him be and see if he makes the effort. This we did and fifteen minutes later we had the most beautiful Silver Laced Polish Chick!

Golliath, having broken free and put in with his brothers and sisters.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tap, tap, tap, peep, peep, peep.

Sat watching the TV, I keep hearing a tapping noise and putting it down to the hamster (she is a noisey little madam when she gets going). There it is again...

Film finishes and, as I do every night, I check the eggs. One has pipped. With that, there is a loud churping noise that makes the egg nextdoor to the pipped one roll back and forth, almost magically. Then they all start rocking and rolling in the incubator. Excitement rushes through me and I know that sleep is not going to be an option...

6am I am awake, having gotten up to check on the chicks several times. The great sleeping machine even rose once or twice to check (but he is not excited). There is no change. Still only one egg pipped and still as noisey as they were at 1am, 3am and 5am.

I have to wait and waiting is not something I do well. So here I am waiting and waiting and waiting. It's going to be a long day!

Day 14

Because the eggs have had such a traumatic couple of days when it comes to temperature, I decided to candle on Day 14 and video it as promised. I really wish that the video could really show you what I can see, but alas the quality is not brilliant. Have a look anyway and see if you can make out the movements.

 

I have looked at all eleven eggs today (one was not viable) and I have made out features in some of them. In one I could actually see the head, the beak was prominant and in another I saw the chick kick one of its tiny legs.

I hope to get back to properly writing my blog later this week, so please don't forget to check in.