Wednesday, July 01, 2009
40 chicks
It’s summer and we’re in the chicken business! Even though we’ve had babies hatched by a hen (late April), bought a few from the local store, and bought others from another small farmsteader..... I succumbed to the temptation to order from the hatchery. So 40 chicks came today in the mail: 12 bantam Old English (Red Pyle coloring which funnily is white with a little reddish hue around the head), 12 Araucanas (always a favorite), 12 Golden Buffs (sort of Red Star or Rhodie cross somebody white...), and topknot chickens!!! - 4 Spitzhaubens. These last are an alpine (Swiss) breed and so hardy where surprisingly the Polish with the fancy hats are not. I love getting chicks.
Today’s batch of bantams are a little challenged, some needing a little remedial care - one in particular was really floppy and getting walked on. I gave her some sugar water and put her in a little bowl with bedding so she has support for her body. She’s improving and I expect will make it - for a while I had my doubts.
Some are goofy sleepers, they’re okay, really, just enjoying the warmth! Added later: well actually the goofy sleepers were stressed out and didn’t make it. 9 of 12 died- ouch!
