Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Baby chicks are here!

A golden comet chick explores its new home.
Outside, the air is warm, hyacinths, cherry trees, and peach trees are in bloom, and cool weather crops are sprouting out of bare ground.  These events lead to one undeniable conclusion:  Spring has arrived!  After months of waiting, we are the proud parents of a dozen healthy chicks.  Rhode Island Red and Golden Comet chicks are happily peeping in our brooder; they have taken their first drinks and meal well.  I'll spare you all the details and get on with the show.
Baby chicks in their box.
Rhode Island Red chick.
Getting their first meal.
Taking their first drink (electrolytes have been added to
the water).
Happy in their new brooder.

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2 comments:

  1. CaroleMarch 12, 2013 at 6:49 PM

    They are just plain adorable. Aren't all baby animals? I bet they will change fast? Are there any roosters in the bunch? What are the electrolytes for?

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    Replies
    1. Palmetto Acres GardenMarch 12, 2013 at 7:02 PM

      By 4-5 weeks old, they will be much larger and all feathered out, ready to move to their outdoor coop. We're enjoying this cute stage while it lasts. Rhode Island Reds are 90% guaranteed to be female, so we may end up with a rooster in the bunch. Golden Comets are sex-linked; females are yellow, males are black, so they're easy to tell. Electrolytes help with hydration and removing stress after a rough two days coming from the hatchery; they're off to a great start already.

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Dedicated to the responsible production and preservation of healthy home-grown food to the glory of God. Isaiah 55:10 The rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater. Organic, or not? We try to raise vegetables organically, using compost and manure. The addition of chickens to our hobby farm means plenty of organic nitrogen to compost! This site gives credible reference to planting information contained in the Farmer's Almanac (www.farmersalmanac.com).