Well, they are certainly not gold fish.

Well, they certainly aren't like gold fish. They keep growing despite the size of their habitat. They are changing at such a quick rate. I feel sorry that they have to be in this small cage. If it were a bit nicer out, these gals could be outside pecking around. Instead I get to listen to them protest their living quarters. Hopefully we will have a non-rainy day this weekend and they can go outside for a bit. SO, here are some updated photos. You can see how much they have changed. All of their cute fluff is gone. I must say however that they are all growing in some very nice feathers. I love how different they all are. Luckily the two biggest only peck on each other. They seem to leave little Optimus Prime alone. I heard that some chicks have to be taught how to perch. I don't think that will be an issue since they are constantly fighting over who gets to perch on the water dispenser. Well I have a few more things to do on their coop, but those are mostly for aesthetic reasons. I'm thinking a couple of more weeks and they will be full time outsiders. Can't wait and more later. Peace!

Well, we are on week three and these gals are growing like crazy. They are certainly sleeping less and chirping more. They finally have names. Kali bless her heart named the large grey gal Charlie which I thought was fitting. After that I couldn't leave the other two un-named. So, I named the blond Isabella since I am a little nervous that she might actually be a he so maybe a fem name might help. Mind over matter right? I named the little guy Optimus Prime. I figured that she needed a bad ass name to make up for her size.

I also upgraded their habitat this weekend. They needed more space and something with a lid so they can't fly the coop. So I put them in an old aquarium that gives them more room to stretch. If we lived in a warmer climate I could take them outside for some sunshine but sadly we are too cold in the Northwest. Maybe a couple of more weeks and we can venture out. As cute as they are, I will be happy when they are out of my house.

They also got their first treat today. I gave them a little bowl of shredded carrots. They went crazy. Charlie was being very food aggressive and was chasing Optimus Prime all over. Luckily Opti can hold her own and stood up to Charlie. Anyway, I am just happy that they all appear to be healthy and hopefully they will stay that way.

Eureka they are still alive.

Well. first week down and hopefully many more to come. I have managed to keep all three chicks alive for a whole week. I think they are in tip top shape judging by the amount of noise they are able to create. They are really interesting to watch. You can practically see them change before your eyes, they grow so fast. There has been a lot of wing flapping going on now that they are getting them. I am afraid that I am going to have to upgrade their containment unit in the next week or so before they literally fly the coop. Well here are some photos so you can see how much they have changed.

Finally the Chicks Have Arrived

Well, here they are. Mom and I went to the feed store today just to look at what breeds they have available and I came home with these gals. At least I am hoping that they are gals. The blond is an Arucanus or better known as an Easter Egg Chicken. She is suppose to lay eggs with a greenish or bluish tint. Or they might just end up white. Only time will tell. The gal in the middle is a Buff Orphington. Who knows what she will look like. She is suppose to lay large Brown eggs. I actually performed my first chicken procedure on her this afternoon. She had a bad case of "Paste" on her bottom. This can actually cause death in Chicks because it blocks their anus and they can't go. So, I has to remove the paste. I know that sounds gross but it's really wasn't that bad. Then there is the little girl on the end. She is a smaller breed than the other two. She is suppose to have lots of feathers on her legs. She will lay smaller Brown Eggs. I think that she will be the prettiest of them all.

Now lets talk about the noise. Who knew that such small critters could make so much noise. They say that they are suppose to sleep a lot and are only super noisy when they are cold. However, they are at an even 95 degrees. I just think that I have a knack for accumulating special needs animals. I am guessing that I am not going to be getting much restful sleep for the next 6 weeks. At least all of the chirping is keeping Jack awake all day so maybe he will sleep tonight instead of constantly waking me up. Incidental, both Indie (the Dog) and Jack (the cat) have shown little interest in the little noise makers. Lets keep our fingers crossed, that this will continue. So we shall see how this experience goes and I will keep updating ya all on this process.

The work continues.

So this has nothing to do with my chicken blog but I thought that you would appreciate how talented my brother is. Just wait until Eric teached Seth to juggle. Can you say father son talent show.

So this photo of me is totally staged. Dad actually did the real hammeringOK, so my Dad is a funny guy. He came over today to help my enclose my coop. Of course being a man, he is willing to work for food. So, I was BBQ'ing chicken and he asked me if I would continue to BBQ chicken in the back yard after the chickens arrive and wouldn't that be cruel. HaHa Dad, but it did get me thinking. How would I feel is human and chickens roles were reversed, that is kinda sick. But damn that chicken was good. So, I have been a little delayed on my coop project. Partially because I'm lazy, but also because I have been out of town a lot this summer. I also have another vacation planned soon, so that will also waylay this process. I have been trying to figure out how to cheaply enclose the coop from preditors. Well I found a huge roll of hog wire at the habitat for humanity store for 10 bucks. I think it will work well keeping the chickens in and Indie out. So Dad and I figured out what supplies I need and he happened to already have most of them, so he will be back tomorrow to help me finnish enclosing it. Lucky fella has summers off.

Coop Decor

So I have the most fantastic big brother in the world. I had a little soiree on Saturday. Just friends, fire pit and chillin. My brother shows up with a fire poker and a board. And for those that know the Haynes clan, I'm thinking hm mm this won't end well. So I tell my brother that ah no I don't want to be branded for my birthday. But alas as usual I had my head in the gutter. The plan was not to brand me but to brand a chicken coop sign. What a lovely idea, well to give proper kudos, the sign was my brothers idea the branding was my sister in laws idea. And yes Amanda I know that your most likely looking at my spelling and grammar and cringing a little but I can't be perfect at everything:) So, I am still brainstorming the coop enclosure, but I think the chickens will be ready to come home to roost soon. If anyone has any enclosure ideas please feel free to send them my way. Jen

Prettiest Coop on the block.

So before I started this project, I did a little price checking on chicken coops. You wouldn't believe it, Most of the coops that I saw started at a low price of $500.00 if you can believe that and went up to as much $1500. Are you kidding me. Chickens only cost like $5.00. So, I went to the habitat for humanity thrift store.
So here is my price list.
Labor:Free
Dog house: Free
Punctured rubber camping bed for the roof: Free
Gallon of used paint: $5.00
Hinges: $10.00
Cabinet door: $2.50
2 old drawers for nesting boxes: $2.00
Used chicken wire: $10.00
Case of beers: $25.00
Total : $54.50
Watching Jen Haynes try to put together a chicken coop after a couple beers: Priceless

So the help continues and my coop starts to come together. Luckily I have a father with super Dad skills who enjoys coming over and helping with with my house projects. He hasn't actually said it but I know he's secretly thrilled that he is going to soon have some grand chickens in the family. I am going to be naming one of the brood after him. Hmm little Ted Junior:)

I decided to put them in the corner of the yard by the compost. I think that if I was a chicken that would be where I'd want to live. Besides who doesn't love waking up to the noise of clucking outside your bedroom window when you wake up. Dad says I'm nuts. I say Hmmmm your just now figuring that out.

Anyway, stay tuned. The adventure will continue. Unless Indie turns out to be a chicken hunter.

Smooches

Jen