THE BIG DAY

The big day is here and we are officially suburban chicken farmers!

Pick up day at Meyer's Hatchery

We have 10 ever so gorgeous chicks living in the brooder.  They are all so fluffy and so petite.  I have to admit that my heart melted as I handled them this afternoon.  When we got home, we needed to dip their beaks in the water and then the food.  It was quite an amazing sight to see them drink for the first time since being born!  It is fascinating that one sampling and they know what to do!

Day old Buff Orpington

The kids are tickled pink with our new pets and chomping at the bit to get their hands on them.  The rule tonight was only Mom and Dad could handle the little gals since it was a stressful day for the little ones.  Tomorrow, we will begin to teach the kids how to handle them (when a grown-up is present) and pray that they realize how fragile these babies still are!  

Day old Jersey Giant

They are already establishing pecking order - with our Rhode Island Red (not pictured above)being quite the bully!  She is pecking on eyes and toes of whom ever allows her to!  We are in the process of coming up with a name that represents her not so nice dominance.  Mike and I found ourselves watching tonight, wishing another chick would take her on and put her in her place.  

We have a diverse flock:

2  Jersey Giants (who resemble fluffy penguins at the moment)

1 Speckled Sussex

1 White Rock

1 Rhode Island  Red

1 Barred Rock (resembles a fluffy falcon - and tallest of the flock)

1 Golden Buff

1 Columbian Wyandotte

2 Buff Orpingtons

The house is now filled with the sound of peeps and well - nothing says Springtime like the sound of baby birds!