While we brood your chicks into healthy young pullets in preparation for living in a chicken house located in your backyard, we will be providing you photos of your new developing flock.
This year we are focusing on four breeds with a few other breeds that might come through for special requests. We are focusing on these breeds (shown to the right) as being very hearty for the Pacific NW, are great egg producers, foragers, and tend to be more social and friendly with humans. They are Barred Plymouth Rock, Golden Comet, Blue Plymouth Rock, and Color Pack Blue Layers. All these breeds are easier to gender so we are less likely to accidentally get any roosters. The chicks should arrive in February, 2024.
Week One
One week old chicks are very vulnerable to chills, predators like mice, viruses, and mishandling. We rarely use heat lamps unless the environment/weather is really cold. We use specialized brooder warmers that simulate the chick being under the hen. We don't place chicks into shavings until after they are a week old. They are prone to eating small bits of shavings thinking it is food. Instead, we place them on sterile cloth sheets that we change out daily until the chicks have a better grasp of food. The brooders are designed to keep predators out. We utilize bio-security measures to protect the chicks from viruses and bacteria. When we pick up the chicks, we carefully place them back into their brooder to prevent any physical damage. We ensure that their crumbles are smaller during the first week to help with digestion and minimize digestive issues. We add Raw Apple Cider Vinegar that we brew on the farm, to their drinking water, to also help with digestion.
Week Two
By the time that chicks are two weeks old, they are growing taller and well formed wings and are starting to develop other feathers. Their eyesight seems better, and are becoming more leary of potential threats, which includes humans. We start to introduce a few treats into their diet to help them associate treats with humans hands. We start adding small grit to their food. By now, the brooder has a thick layer of hemp shavings on the floor to properly absorb their feces and help them stay warm. We also start to introduce toys and perches to keep them entertained and active.
Week Three
By week three, the chicks are over the first vulnerable phase, but now they are more prone to self-inflicted or flock-inflicted injuries. Chicks are more active, trying to fly and chase each other around the brooder. They are developing their abilities, and a bit like children, are fearless. They are starting to develop their "long necks" as they start to stand taller and more upright. More feathers are coming in with patches of down slowly being covered.
Week Four
By week four, the chicks are starting to develop more pronounced combs, and that makes it a bit easier to help to identify some of the roosters based on the color of those combs. This the last week of "staged" photos because they are getting so tall, they will soon be outgrowing the photo box. By now, their colors are becoming more accentuated and are losing their chick colors. Their personalities are also starting to become more apparent. Most are practicing their roosting skills now and are exploring other skills, like dust bathing.
