As of 5 weeks ago, we have some new pets. (And they are most definitely pets, not future dinner!) We have entered the world of backyard chicken keeping, and are enjoying it immensely.
Our chicks are growing up quickly, and due to posting-lack-of-frequency, I’ll only show you their first days here. For bigger chicks, more recent pictures, or simply a continuation of their overwhelmingly adorable cute-ness, check out Part 2!
Our chicks started their life in a hatchery in Ohio, and spent their first day traveling the 1,000 something miles between there and Texas. While they made the journey, we waited anxiously at home for our very own “peeping package”. Though we were worried that they might not make survive the trip, every one arrived alive and healthy, and were soon introduced to the brooder; a strange, newspaper filled place that was to be their home for the next 3 weeks.
First came a drink of water…
…then their first taste of food…
…and finally, some cuddles.
Also, a great deal of sleeping, which I didn’t take a picture of. After eating, sleeping, drinking, and being cuddled for three days, the chicks were ready for some adventure! After all, they had crossed the country during their first day of life, and though the brooder and its heat lamp were more comfortable than that journey, they were not nearly so exciting. Mumthers, a little yellow chick named by Daniel, thought that maybe we would let her out if she gave us her “cute face”:
And she also tried to get all the others to join in!
We understood what it was like to have cabin-fever, and accordingly introduced them to a gigantic place called “backyard”. Though they weren’t too sure about it at first, the bolder ones soon took a liking to it, and helped their friends to overcome their fears. It wasn’t long before some of then began to enjoy sitting on the grass, taking a dust bath, or scratching at the ground.
After 3 pleasant weeks, they moved into their permanent coop and run. How did they adjust? Take a look at Part 2 to find out, coming soon!