Or, so we hope. In the last blog, we were following the new lives of our babies from hatch to 8 weeks. At 8 weeks old, their brooder temperature should be hovering around 65 degrees to 70. Our nursery is set up in a shed, where the temperature is only approximate(sometimes I wonder how accurate that gauge is). It's location is pretty ideal however, it is within 20' of the coop; where they hear our roo crowing everyday. On nice days, we replace the window with a screen, where the sights and sounds of their new flock are within proximity.
Today they are almost 2 months, and happily integrated with their family. It's hard to explain to even Erick how their pecking order works, especially in the beginning. For the first few weeks, we have noticed that typically, they will stick with their brood mates. Exploring through their new territory, they happily chirp and soak up the sun. Within a few days, they easily can manage going in and out of their new home- the coop- without reminding them that is where their food is, and safety.
Soon, they will separate from their brood mates, make friends, and venture to the edges of their run alone. That usually happens right around 4 months to the moment before its time to start mating. Ducks differ only slightly. Most of the ducks that we have within the run stick together straight from the egg. New ducks are put into pecking order by the hens while the drakes seem content on the new mates. Our "bachelors" are put outside the run, yet still wander along with their ladies inside the horrendous fence that separates them.
While the chickens are busy learning about the new residents, us humans have been equally busy. We have gained more babies through some special orders with McMurray Hatchery, our go to for the healthiest birds. We now have australorps, a gold-laced wyandotte, welsummers and our absolute family favorite, the Americana.
Americana
Black Australorp
Gold Laced Wyandotte
Welsummer
These fine ladies are only examples of the breeds that we have acquired. They all lay brown eggs except for the Americana, which is a favorite due to its very lovable, friendly disposition. Ours are very accepting of new flock members, humans and even children picking them up. They adore being petted, hugged and even scratched lightly under their beak. Any new chicken keepers should truly consider an Americana either as a flock or at least a roo. They lay 'tinted' eggs, that vary in colors from a mint green, pale pink, and baby blue. If mated with a rhode island red, their grandchildren will be called an Olive Egger. Those babies will lay a Olive green egg.
Most of our customers prefer our brown eggs over the tinted, but we still have many that do not mind the tinted appearance of the shell. In fact, we have had a waiting list for our farm fresh eggs for months now :)
In the next blog I'll start revealing our plans for this year. From the Sourghum to the medicinal herbs that are going into a new garden box that is being researched as we speak.
