Feathers

Barred Rock

The chicks continue to grow. They have all begun to scratch - still very comical at this age!  They have also begun to climb on top of the feeder and attempt to jump down with wings flapping.  Again, comical, as long as we get in the habit of keeping their wings clipped.  Soon enough that comedy could turn to horror!  haha

Trimmed wing

The chicks are growing right before our very eyes - literally!  I left for school and the feathers were not nearly as full as they were by the time I got home!  Mike and I decided to give a go at trimming the right wing, to aid in hindering their aerodynamics.  Certainly they cannot escape the brooder just yet. However, being that they are housed in the basement, the last sight I want to witness is coming home to chickens running loose in the basement when they have "Flown the coop!"  

So, as we continue to work on handling each chick daily, we also trimmed about 3 chicks today.  Mike was the brave scissor holder and it was actually a very easy task.  Catching the speedy critters was much more challenging than the trimming of the right wing feathers.  So check that new experience off - we can handle the wing trims as needed!

 I have also become the pasty butt wiper on duty.  Ewww.... gross at first, but now it is just like changing a diaper as new parents. You know it needs to be done, so you do it.  Only 2 of the 10 chicks are having issues with this condition.  I keep offering this responsibility to Lexi, but for some reason, she keeps declining - she doesn't know the fun she is missing!!  From what I am reading, this chore should only last another week and half.  Once the baby chick fuzz is replaced with feathers, I am hoping I can remove this duty from my To-Do list!  lol 

Buff Orpington chicks

Lexi successfully held and released a jersey giant today.  Yesterday she held a golden with my help.  Today, I caught a fuzzy little black chick and handed it her.  She was very gentle and ever so proud! I then let her attempt to release the bird back into the brooder after several minutes and she was amazing!  The grin from ear to ear was proof enough that she was well aware of her job well done!  

Ella got her first shared hold of the speckled sussex.  She informed Lexi and I that she knows how to be gentle from holding her hamster in the preschool classroom.  Judging by the giggles released as the baby chirped in her hands, this experience may have out ranked the hamster!  

Way to go girls!  You will be great farm hands with all your enthusiasm and patience!

(Linc is still content talking to and petting the heads and backs of the chicks, so we will leave it at that for now. )