Chicken Littles

Because I, apparently, don't have enough going on in my life right now, I ordered some new chicks in June.  They were hatched on June 14th, and promptly shoved into a box and Priority mailed to me.  A neighbor split the order with me and I ended up with 10 little birdies.

Here they are the day I received them.  They spent a couple weeks in the porch, then a few weeks in the garage.  Baby chicks need to be kept very warm until they start to get feathers.  Like, sauna warm.  We achieve that with a nice heat lamp aimed at the brooder.

Here they are in the big coop 5 weeks from the day I received them.  Isn't it crazy how fast they grow?  They're in the feather growing stage and look like a bunch of awkward teenagers.  So far, they're getting along well with the older hens and are really enjoying their new home. 

I cleaned out the coop for the first time in way too long in preparation for moving them out there and it turns out I have a renewed love for my flock.  Chickens are so fun to watch, they're like therapy that feeds you.  Speaking of which, these pullets(young female chickens) won't be old enough to lay until October, so, since the birds take a break in the winter, we might not get eggs from them until next spring.  Which is fine, because we're getting plenty from our few older hens right now.

And here is sweet Miss A holding what looks like a Barred Plymouth Rock.  She's a master chick chaser, which has come in handy on more than one occasion.  And, yes, she's wearing a sparkly gown and tennies.  That's my girl!