Brooder progress

The basement is nearly ready... yes, the chicks will be residing in the basement until approximately the end of April.  They may move to the outdoor coop once they have all their flight feathers and their bodies are better able to regulate their temperature.  In fact, once outside, they may still depend on a heat lamp for a few weeks, depending upon Ohio weather.

Brooder box 

Mike brought home several nice pieces of corrugated scrap (the treasures of his trade) that he then trimmed and taped together with the kids' "help" last night.  We have essentially constructed a giant playpen for our chicks.  Was funny to be reminded of the simple joys of childhood - tape and cardboard! The kids giggled with anticipation as they assisted with Dad's construction of something so grand.  They were so obedient and eager to help with ANYTHING - it is always magical to witness such awe through their eyes.

The chicks will reside on top of a bedding made of pine shavings while housed indoors.  A heat lamp is in place to help keep them above 85 degrees -- adjusting it as needed.  We have learned what to watch for, in terms of clues, so the brooder is at the proper temperatures.   As they grow and mature, the heat demands will lesson.

Brooder with heat lamp on - testing temps before arrival

So, now we wait.... but in the mean time, the weather has warmed for a few days, so we worked in the yard some this afternoon and will do the same tomorrow as well.  I worked in the garden this early evening, tearing out the old pepper plants and tomato plants that I never got to last fall.  I trimmed the mums in the front yard that became snow covered before I could cut them back in November. Linc worked on locating all his toys that have been in storage all winter long - taking a mental log of what still needs to be found.   The girls discovered new plant growth and feverishly worked to transplant some young seedlings to new locations.  Apparently they felt Mother Nature allowed the new plants to take root in "not so good places."

(I didn't have the heart to tell them that the center of the yard, where Dad will eventually mow with the tractor may not be prime location either. Afterall, we are in Ohio - who is to say one more frost or snowfall isn't still on its way!)  

Remember, if you haven't voted for 10 of your favorite names, there is still time to sign in and vote! 

And the survey says....

Navigate to the right side of this page and pick your Top 10 Chicken names.... we are beginning to narrow down the choices and your input may impact our fine feather friends!

Hey, while you are at it - sign in and become a follower so that we can keep track of our loyal followers - the kids are hoping to see this number grow!

Mystery trip....

So, on occasion, we wake in the morning and declare MYSTERY TRIP!   This is when Mike and I know where we are heading (yet are always open to detours when we spot other fun spots on our way), but we will not tell the kids.  So today was one of those days.  We were headed to Meyer's Hatchery in Polk, OH, but the kids only knew it to be a mystery trip.  We needed to get some start up supplies so that come March 21st, those chicks of ours are ready to arrive home.  


We set out slightly after 9am.  We arrived on schedule and enjoyed some conversation with the employees there as we continue to gather input and knowledge on this grand adventure.  We purchased our start up supplies - minus our organic feeds as we will get that when we pick up the chicks.  While there, we also got to see an assortment of 5 day old chicks waiting for homes. We learned how to clip one wing when they are older, to keep them from taking flight.  The kids loved the sight of the chicks and I have to be honest - we did too!   I have never been a bird person, growing up with canaries and a parrot or two ... but something about chickens is exciting.  I haven't put my finger on it yet... but I am thinking it may have to do with the lack of ear piercing singing.  Or maybe it is that this is new to all of us and therefore, we have no choice but to learn as we go!


While in the area, we then ventured to our coop builder, to check progress and review the coop one more time as we begin to plan materials and dimensions needed to build the run for our Chicks.  (Here is a sample of our coop, not the exact one, but close enough to give you an idea.)

The Berlin area is so full of tourist places, and the kids needed to stretch their legs.  We visited Tis the Season Christmas shop.   The looks on the kids' faces as we walked into a room FULL of Christmas trees and numerous Santa Claus figures was priceless!   I do think Linc felt we had entered the North Pole for a slight moment!  So we walked and "ooohed and aaahed" and then of course I insisted we leave with a souvenir! What better token to remember this mystery trip than a Chicken Xmas ornament - one with a glittery red comb - Welcome home Glitter Sparkle!!  =) 


So, tomorrow we will begin set up for our feathered friends.  Yes, we have 8 days to prepare, but the weekdays fly past at the speed of light with school and work.  Therefore, this is best to not procrastinate on - besides, I am not sure the kids will allow us to not at least make it look like the chicks will be arriving any day now - 8 days is a long time to wait!

Hmm....

Today Lexi took it upon herself to log onto a kids farm website (with my supervision of course).  There she discovered she could submit questions to the site and hopefully get answers!  So, here are some questions Lexi generated today in regards to chickens:


1. How much noise will 10 chickens make?
2. What types of human food can I feed my hens?
3. How many times a day do I need to feed them?


She has been reading her library books, along side us throughout this adventure.  It is great to see our 1st grader so involved!   I went to the children's librarian last week and asked for child friendly chicken books.  If I provide it, the kids may access it - or so I preach as a teacher to the parents of my students.  What do you know - it worked!!


In fact, she even had a writing project due at school this morning titled - My Pet.  She was to write 3-5 sentences about her pet.  Hmmm.... 3 to 5 sentences on one sole remaining hermit crab?  That was tough.  So, she opted for chickens!  She cut her favorite pictures out of one of our hatchery catalogs an then posted them at the top of the page.  She began to write.  This child couldn't be any more motivated by the topic at hand since she was able to fill a page in no time!  
Eager to know how the assignment was received, I questioned her at dinner time tonight.  She told me she read it since it was her work and everyone liked it.  "I did a good job and they thought it was cute!" Mission accomplished!


So, as I wind down and enjoy the peaceful quiet house (minus the various snores from each bedroom that musically fill the air), I can't help but sit here and reflect.  This week Lexi learned some amazing things.  Yes, her mother is a teacher, but yet I didn't spend a second of time "teaching" her or using specific strategies.  Instead, I spent time exposing her to materials, and allowing her to think freely. I didn't force her to read 20 minutes each night, only to wait for the battle to ensue.  Instead Mike and I quietly led by example, as we sat and read our books and she naturally attempted to "do as we did".  


And wouldn't you know - it's contagious - as the troops climbed into Mom and Dad's bed tonight, as we always do for 5 minutes of cuddle time before crawling into separate beds - Lincoln crawled in with a book in his hand.  
  "Read this Mommy".  
Together we all cuddled and enjoy the picture book, Where do Chicks Come From?. 
Sure they could have opted for a few minutes of watching SpongeBob or some other cartoon, but instead, they preferred to hear a story read to them...


"I say to my child, I will explain to you as much of life as I can, but you must remember that there is a part of life for which you are the explanation." ~Robert Brault

No turning back now

The coop is ordered... and will be here by month's end!  A skilled Amish family is constructing our new hen house.  We have requested our colors, our design "musts", and even our flooring. The coop will be delivered and placed in the yard exactly where we would like it.  Once here, Mike will construct the run so they may forage safely.  We have many hawks circle the back lot and therefore, we need to keep our feathered friends safe!


The chicks are ordered and will be picked up on March 21st.  We placed our order through a hatchery that is in driving distance. Fearful of a getting a rooster, we were certain to order through a hatchery with sexers on staff so that we will be certain we get our female flock.    We will have quite the diversified backyard, since we are equal opportunity farmers.  Uniformity is boring and bland - we opted of one of each breed that met our specifications.  We steered clear of broody hens (ones that like to sit on their eggs, and will peck at those trying gather them each morning) and we opted for friendly, calm, docile breeds. Some are even known as "perfect pets."  Time will tell as to whether this statement is true!  LOL


Our next step is to locate the feed mill that we have been told about.  It is there we will need to get our organic feeds, and our bedding materials.  We have some time yet, as the hatchery will get us set up with our brooder equipment and supplies.  The chicks will be on starter feed first, so we have a couple of weeks to continue to prepare, even after their arrival.


We have decided to go organic with our flock.  After all - what we put into their bodies is nourishment we will then put into our bodies. The cost difference is not much, so we will provide the best we can for them, so that they provide the best they can for us!


We are placing our puzzle together, piece by piece.... and with anything new - there is anxiety, but the excitement is helping to keep the anxiety in check!  Ella is even beginning to stray from our name list with a persistent request that one MUST be named "Sparkle Glitter!"  When Ella sets her mind to an idea, odds are we will have to give in, for the good of the order.  Besides, with a name like Sparkle Glitter - that hen will be destined for greatness!