Its been a wild ride folks! This is my third time raising baby chicks. The first time, six years ago, I had NO idea what I was doing, and yet somehow it turned out fine. My second attempt was not quite as successful, three years ago. I ended up with a rooster which I had to rehome, and one of my hens died at two years of age. This time all four are hale and hearty and are growing at an alarming rate! I have named them finally now that I can tell them apart. Maisy and Daisy are practically twins and they are gentle and friendly. Little Nellie (short for Nervous Nellie) is rather distrustful and flighty, although she is sweet and possibly the prettiest. I haven’t been able to get a good photo of her because she won’t come too close. Maisy, however, has become fond of sitting on my shoulder, and Daisy prefers my lap.
Last but not least in any sense of the word, there is the one I suspect may be a rooster. I call him “Croakin’ Joe.” He talks like something is stuck in his throat. I really hope I get to revise that to “Croakin’ Josephine.” I will not really know for sure until he/she is a little older, but the comb and wattles are well developed compared to the others and his/her behavior is quite feisty. Yet sometimes he/she acts just like the others and can be just one of the girls. I will not know for sure until he attempts to crow, which will be a few weeks yet. I hope I do not have to rehome him if it is a roo. It all depends on how he integrates into the flock. I personally don’t think Henrietta will stand for a rooster in her flock.
Anyhow, these chicken kids are still residents of my basement and they are wearing out their welcome. They were due to go out earlier this week, but we got hit with a spell of cold, wet weather. Their little grow out coop is ready, and I promise to post photos when I get them moved outdoors. Stay tuned!
Under A Hen's Wing 