They have grown so much and are really taking on the shape of chickens now. They have pronounced chests and big tail feathers now. They aren't as cute as they once were. They've also changed a lot in color. The Brown Leghorns have lost their "chipmunk" stripe and are all brown on the back. Their colors have become much more unique and while they aren't cute and fluffy they have some beautiful markings.
They've started to get out and climb on all the furniture in the brooding room. We didn't actually see them out of the box at first but started noticing little droppings in places we couldn't imagine they could reach. Now it seems every time we walk in the room there are several chickens perched across the room. They always make it back into the box though, they definitely know where home is.
We've started to set up the outdoor habitat for them. They have a huge area. We put up hooks for custom hanging waterer, a feeder and for their heat light. We put in ramps and some large plastic pipes for them to climb and play on. We still need to build a roosting and nesting area. We've sectioned off enough of the barn and made it cat proof to prevent our pet cats from eating the chicks. We have the outside half of the run blocked off so they learn where "home" is and know to return there at night. For the outside we got bird netting to prevent predators from flying into the run. We are still working on getting that set up.
We are using the treats to bait them and get them used to being handled. We want them to willingly jump into our hands. It seems to be working as they will flock to our hands when we put them into the brooding area and we are usually able to grab them without a fuss. Some are becoming particularly fond of being picked up as they know it means easy access to more treats. Others are still cautious.
We took away the heat lamp and heater to cool them down in preparation for going outside as it will be much colder out there. At first they were lethargic and cuddly but are now fine and roaming the room once again. When the move outside we will use the heater and heat lamp to make the barn and warm as possible to ease the transition.
The Brown leghorn, which we have named Petrie, still has the enlarged stomach and the skin is discolored. She seems fine otherwise. She is healthy, eating and very energetic and agile like the other Leghorns.
Bromley, the biggest Buff Orpington, is super friendly. She will always let us pick her up and lays relaxed in our hands. The live treats have really encouraged them to relax when being handled..
We are looking to add 2 more chicks to our chickens so we'll have to set up a new brooding area which shouldn't be too much trouble now that we have a 'brooding' set of equipment and the outdoor set up.
Progress Pages
We are tracking each chicks growth by week and so have made progress pages for you to follow along and see how the different chicks are doing. Click below to see each chicks weekly development!
Spider
Meeko
Ayden
Seraphina
Helen
Buff Orpingtons
Brown Leghorns
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