The chickens are here… the chickens are here!
So, we went to the auction last Saturday and the girls came home with some guinea pigs. No chickens… they were going for $25/average per hen! We did go home with 2 chicken cages and 3 guinea pigs though. $25 was too rich for my blood, so I’ll keep searching Craigslist to see what I can find.
We had only mostly finished the coop, so I guess it was a good thing we didn’t get hens that day. The next day, however, I did find a good deal on some Rhode Island Red 8-week-old chicks. They were straight run, but I think we only have 1 dude, so the guy that sold them to me was pretty good at picking out girls for me. (He was selling like 50 chicks, so he had a lot to choose from.) We got 10 total chicks.
The chickens are here!
We brought them home to a mostly finished coop that was a little more finished than the day before, and it only took about an hour once we were there working on it. We let them out and immediately showed them where the water was, and they all gathered around. Once they were all watered, I had to teach them where the food was. One of the guys (and hubs, too) were pretty convinced they wouldn’t figure it out… but I had faith. It only took a few eating at the box when the others got curious, and I think they all have the hang of it now.
The perfect flock
My goal is eventually to trade in most of them, especially that sus roo, and get some variety in the flock. I’d ideally like to have 2 of each of 3 breeds. That way I get some egg variety. I’ll stick to the Chicken Breeds for Florida list and add orpingtons, either lavender or buff, and either barred rock or welsummer.
I’ve eyed the Hatchery Surprise crates from Cackle Hatchery, but 50 chicks might be a few too many! I just love the idea that there are so many different breeds, as well as possible turkeys and ducks (I’m not set up for ducks, so they’d probably find new homes if I got them.) I’ve also got my eye on the Rainbow Assorted Females and the Crazy Chicken Starter Kit (clever, I know!)
Everyone is mostly getting along in the coop now with only a few stare-offs that we’ve witnessed. I’m happy with how the setup is, now if I can only find affordable hens that are older and already laying, I’d be spectacular. I did order a chicken enrichment assortment, and even though the boys and hubs laughed at me, it makes me happy to think of the chicks looking at themselves in the mirror!
Needless to say, I’m so happy the chickens are here! They offer no end to entertainment. So far my favorite quirk is that they all sleep crammed into 1 nesting box when there are 6 to choose from! A bit close for comfort. I can’t wait to watch them eating spaghetti… funniest thing ever.
