Chicks, the Third Week

I should take bids on a good caption for this photo.  

Really getting into that dust bath.

Just shy of three weeks, we enjoyed some warmer weather and let the chicks outside in their coop and enclosed run for an entire afternoon.  The first item of business on their agenda was to take a whopping dust bath; once we saw what they were up to, we added some wood ash to the mix (a little bit more "dusty" than the mulch they were trying to use).  After they unearthed a worm, it was hilarious watching them play a game of keep away.  They are terrifyingly good at flying.  As you can see from the photos, they're looking more like chickens now, with only a little down left on their heads.

Exploring the run.

Dust bathing all those new feathers.

Rhode Island Red chick three weeks old.

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.