Live Web Cam View of The Secret Lives of the Chicks

You can now view Pookie, Onion and Obama live at http://remote.ctsweb.co.uk:8088/remote_singleframe.html Just cut and paste it into your web browser. Movie Chicks in the making.

The mixed eggs went into the incubator last night, just before midnight. The new eggs were admired by visitors candled and bought up to room temperature, before being set. I have kept the last Silkie egg in from the last hatch, in case it does peep.

The mixed clutch of eggs came from the ebayer seller named basterinscarsterin. Again this seller is a credit to eBay. The baby chicks are sleeping in the brooder as I write this blog. Henrietta, Ken, Barbie Q and Bruno are foraging in the garden. They do not know they may be getting a new member to join their flock tomorrow as Duane and I are off to the Moreton on the Marsh County Show. So watch this space..........I Love My Chickens :o)

andy13582001 eBay Egg Provider

Just to share with you where I purchased my Silkie eggs. They came from eBay and the sellers ID is andy13582001 The eggs come individually bubble wrapped, the placed in an egg box, bubble wrapped again and posted out. Andy really cares about his eggs and Silkies and communicates well with his Buyers. I have posted my recommendation of Andy's' eggs on various Poultry sites. Thanks again for the lovely eggs Andy. Pookie, Onion and Obama are currently in the Brooder all snuggled up together. I Love My Chickens ;0)

Egg # 1, Obama is Born

Obama is born. The name could not have been more apt as we were unsure if the egg was still viable when we candled on Day 18. We decided to keep the egg in the incubator in the hope of a hatch. Day 21 came and I picked up the egg for a brief look as it had not peeped, however I did hear a methodical tap, tapping indicating the chicks’ egg tooth was doing its job. Egg # 1 was placed back in the incubator. Those that have been following the blog will know that Egg # 1 had started to pip on the morning of 02/09/10. At this time Onion, previously known as Egg # 5 was fluffing up its feathers and findings its feet in the incubator. Prior to joining Pookie in the brooder, she would regularly wobble over to the ‘yet to hatched’ Obama and throw her body over the egg and cheep encouragement at it.

I am pleased to say that Duane managed to make it home, photograph and watch the birth of Egg # 1 later that day. This chick knew how to zip the egg. I was contemplating calling the chick Zippy after the excellent job that had been done on the egg. The shell had been methodically chipped all around the egg. After a few big pushes a foot popped out. Those that know of Silkies, will be aware that they have five toes on their feet as well as feathers on the outer toe. Their skin is also black. Another big push saw the emergence of a cute, beaked face with a winking eye. Seconds later at 17.55, after a determined push the egg fully opened and the chick was displayed in all its glory. It was a splendid black feather chick, immediately Duane said “Obama, our first black feathered chick”.

Duane will be uploading the photographs of this event in the next couple of days. Obama very quickly found its feet and was weebling (I think I have invented that word) around the incubator like a penguin. Barry, Katie and Heidi arrived shortly after Obama’s birth, Heidi said ‘Oh cute chicks’. and had a quick hold of Onion and Pookie. Jack, Emily & Annabelle had their cuddles with the chicks earlier in the afternoon, having waited patiently since the chicks were born to see them. They were in awe of them and are eager to meet Obama, as is Rachelle.

Obama did not take long in making sure his feathers were dry, fluffed and dry and was able to walk. He joined Onion and Pookie in the brooder just before midnight. As you can see from the photograph, he has quickly adapted to a new environment. Duane introduced him to water by placing a drop on his finger and tilted the water droplet towards Obama who quickly drunk it. You have to teach chicks to drink and the usual method is to dip their beak into the water frequently for the first few days (hence me needing to take leave from work to make sure the chicks were safe and sorted). I have just had a look in the brooder and Obama is snuggled up under Pookie and Onion has her head resting on the Monkey Mum that I placed in the Brooder. Well done and welcome to the world Obama, you know how to get the job done without having to ‘showboat’.

I have marked and set the new mixed 12 eggs in the incubator and have also left in Egg # 4 from this hatch in case it is a late hatch. I did candle it today, there is an egg sac and the characteristic dark shape, however there is no tapping or signs of a pip. I will keep you updated. I Love my Chickens :o)

Chick # 5 is now named Onion

I am going to keep the reason for Chick #5 being called Onion as brief as I can, however it was a bit of an Epic.

Those of you who have been following this blog, may be aware, Egg # 5 peeped in the early hours of Wednesday 1st September 2010. Some of the egg shell had from the peep hole had been knocked/pecked away by the first chick to hatch, aptly named Pookie. This, then meant that the two membranes within Egg # 5 were drying up which would cause the chicken to stick to the inner membrane and not be able to free itself. This also means that the yolk would not be able to be fully absorbed (the yolk is the equivalent to the placenta) the inner membrane is also laced with blood vessels feed the yolk until it is absorbed. I upped the humidity and placed a warm wet kitchen towel just under the egg and continually dabbed he exposed membrane with warm water to keep it moist. One of this appeared to help it unstuck itself. If the membrane had not been drying out we would have let nature take its course, as it can take 24 hours from peep to hatch, However Egg # 5 was getting weaker and was clearly stuck despite our efforts.

We made the decision rather than let it die we would help with the hatch. So warm wet kitchen towels were prepared, the heat lamp was on, cocktail stick sterilised and hands thoroughly washed. The idea is that you try and replicate what the chick would do with its egg tooth, which is to tap all around the shell to weaken it (zipping) ready to push out as soon as the blood has stopped flowing in the inner membrane and the yolk has been absorbed. It is the zipping that sends the message for this process to happen. We had listened to Egg # 5 prior to it peeping and thought at the time it was odd that we could not hear the rhythmical tapping. Anyway I lifted Egg # 5 out of the Incubator, placed him in my hand which was swathed in a blood temperature wet kitchen towel. I then moistened the peep hole, being careful not to get moisture into the chick’s beak. I then placed the point of the cocktail stick between the shell and outer membrane and started to zip the egg. At one point I pierced the outer membrane, causing a bleed, which I stemmed and wily placed the egg back in the Incubator for an hour before I repeated the process. I finally zipped the egg and made sure the membrane was moisturised then placed the egg back in the Incubator so that the chick could kick out. The chick appeared to weak to do this, so we removed the outer membrane and could see the yolk had not been fully absorbed, the blood had stopped flowing to membrane so we removed he inner membrane tentatively, making sure the unabsorbed yolk was preserved and then pace the egg back in the Incubator with a few prayers. Hence the name Onion, as it was like peeling back the layers of an Onion.

Onion remained laying on its side, scarcely moving and looking awful. At 05.00 in the morning I examined the chick and could she had a umbilical hernia and that the reason she was not moving was on one of her legs was the unabsorbed yolk and part of the umbilical cord was wrapped around it. This meant that every time she attempted to kick, the yolk sac would pull on the umbilicus, which further aggravated the hernia. The feathers were also stuck firmly to her body instead of fluffing out.

I had to remove Pookie, and put her into the Brooder as she was attempting to eat Onions yolk sac and umbilicus, and was treading on her. As the umbilicus was herniated and still attached to the yolk sack this would have meant instant death. It was clear that Onion cold not survive under those circumstances. I sterilised some cotton, scissors, and kitchen towel, carefully scooped onion out of the incubator and placed her on her back on the warm moist kitchen towel within a food container under the heat lamp. I then freed her leg and tied of her yolk sac, and umbilical cord in three places, cut the connection between the umbilicus and yolk sac, and used the back of my little finger to gently place the herniated umbilicus back into Onions stomach. That done, I rolled her onto her side and used the moisturised towel to rub and separate her feathers as these were stuck as were her wings and needed to be stimulated. With all that done I gave her a firm and gentle rub, dropped some water into her beak and gently placed her back in the Incubator with another prayer and my Rosary draped around it and went to let out our other chickens.

I am pleased to say that when I came back in Onion was chirping and had moved over to Egg# 2 that had stated to peep. I scooped her out a couple of times to moisten and separate her feathers and can now report she is chirping away happily in the Incubator and will be moved over to the Brooder at lunch time. I hope Egg # 2 is not going to present such challenges. I will take a better picture of her than the one on the right as she is sleeping, also the light from the incubator does not make for good photographs, then you can see the tremendous change from Onion, being nearly dead to a now a perky Chick, in such a small space of time. Well Done Onion. I love nature and I Love my Chickens

.

The story of why Egg # 3 was named Pookie

We now have a name for Egg # 3. No, it will not be ‘Nugget’ as hoped for by some of the MK Glorious PPU –N Unit. Her name is Pookie. The story behind the name goes back a few years when we bought home a lovely fluff ball looking kitten from Leicester. Duane had gone to help his brother Darren with some work and when he returned I had purchased Aduellia Moonstone, a Seal Point Persian Kitten. Duane was smitten with the kitten and home she came. On the journey home I sensed she was becoming restless and asked Duane to pull over. We were on the Weedon road near the land mark listed Express Lift Tower building Northamptonshire. Too late, she done the most gigantic wee all over my white trousers. I never knew a little cat had such an enormous bladder.

To cut a long story short, I was asleep in bed with Aduellia Moonstone apparently snuggled under my chest and chin. Duane said he looked at us and thought we looked adorable so decided to take a photograph of us. What he did not take into account was the potential response of Aduellia Moonstone. I awoke with a start and the sensation of being pebble dashed with hot, sticky, smelly liquid. Yes, you have guessed right, the kitten had been so startled by the flashlight and noise of the camera, she projectile poo'd all over my face, hair and chest. Well actually it was diarrhoea; I could not speak and only stutter a few explicatives. Duane, went from a state of shock to near hysterical laughter. From that moment onwards Aduellia Moonstone was called Pookie. We do have the photo of this unforgettable event.

Enough digressing, back to the reason for Chick # 3 name. We made a decision to move Chick # 3 to the Brooder to ensure Chick # 5 had a better chance of survival; she had dried and fluffed up lovely. This was we thought a good photo opportunity. At this time chick # 3 was again on my chest and walking up towards my neck to nuzzle. I really think it may have been helpful if Duane had said ‘Watch the birdie’ no really ‘Watch the birdie’ because it was at the moment the flash went off, I felt a trickle of liquid make its way down my decoulage (Chest, cleverage or boobs for the less well informed) I thought she had done a big wee, however as it was mint green and she was a chick not an alien, we established it must be poo. Duane immediately said amid his laughter, “That’s it, her name, it has to be Pookie” I could not agree more, so Egg # 3 became Pookie.

OMG - I am getting a little scared now....

I shouldn't be surprised that we have another batch of eggs for some REALLY big chickens.

Just to give you an idea of the scale of these things, here is a picture of a 6 month old Jersey Giant.

(OK, the girl may be petite, but look at the bloody size of the chicken!)

I think I said to Theresa that they look pretty impressive. The next thing I know is that she has some JG eggs to hatch!

"We're gonna need a bigger boat ... coop" (Roy Scheider 'Jaws' 1975)

On the plus side. The JG's look like they actually eat foxes for a snack. (laughs feebly, worried frown)

My New Eggs Arrived Today

The egg arrived today and were packed very safely, Than you Jill AKN by the seller name basterinscarsterin on E-Bay

I have a selection of eggs. 3 x Jersey Giants. These are the largest chickens in the world, very docile and gentle by nature. 2 Buff Orpington lovely stocky birds, they also have a gentle nature, 4 x Rhode Island Red Cross Araucana , they lay, blue green eggs. The other 3 are pot luck and may be any of the following: Gold Brahma Orpington, Barnvelder Cream Legbar, Wellsummer or Maran. It will be exciting to wait and see. I am resting the eggs to bring them up to room temperature today, they will go in the incubator tomorrow for 21 day and be candled at 5, 10 and 18 days, so watch this space. I love my Eggs, Peeps and Chickens :o)

Rachellé talking to the Peep

As expected, Rachellé was as excited about the hatching as me. we thought it would be a good idea for her to talk to the peep via the telephone. The picture is not to clear, you should be able to see the peep pecking through (it is nearest the telephone). Annabell, one of our Granddaughters has just viewed the blog so will no doubt be paying a visit with Emily and Jack.

The peep responds to noises. Egg#5 has done nothing for the past five hours, it may well be a rooster. I am going to have to step away to give the eggs some piece and quiet and admire my new eggs that have just come through the post by Special Delivery. I love my chickens and my peeps :o)

Picture of Egg # 5 and 3 Peeping

Egg# 3 and 5 Peeping

This is taken on my iphone so not to clear. Egg# 3 is on the left hand side and is peeping at the top. Egg # 5 is the half of an egg that you see at the bottom of the photograph and the crack is just visible near where it is touching the other egg. Clearer photos will follow. I love my chickens :o)

Number 5 Egg has Pipped

I think I was in a deep sleep when I woke with a start, sat bolt upright and had a myriad of thoughts going through my head. I checked the clock, it was 02.25. I sat on the edge of the bed sorting the thoughts bouncing all over the place in my head, into some semblance of order.

The phone had not rung, so no known family emergency, the house and garden were quiet so unlikely to be a fox after the chicks or a burglar in the house. Oh my goodness it must be the chicks peeping.

I swiftly left the bedroom and hurried to our den with adrenalin trying to rush through my protesting body. I looked into the incubator, hoping, although not expecting to see a crack in one or more eggs, as this was Day21, the due hatch day.

There it was, Egg # 5 with a definite crack. I peeped and tapped on the side to say 'Well done' and further motivate the chick to hatch. Both Duane and I had said 'Goodnight' and other words of encouragement as well as made peeping noises at the eggs less than 90 minutes previously. Duane definitely does better chick peeps and chicken talk than me. Egg # 5 is at the one furthest away in the corner, and the crack is near where it is nearly touching the adjacent egg

I then had to make a decision, do I wake Duane at the early point of potential hatch, or let him sleep and wake him when the chick has manged to break through the shell completely. It was a quick decision, the hard bit for me was waking him up gently rather than dashing back in whooping with joy that Egg # 5 had started to peep. I managed to wake Duane as sensitively as I could given the circumstances. I explained that it was only a small crack and that I would take some photos, keep him updated and wake him when the shell had been cracked most of the way. He gave a smile and wished them luck.

I am sitting here pondering the wondrous of birth whilst I wait for the chick to take some rest and then hopefully continue the job of trying to be born. Like any birth, be it a bulb breaking through the earth to bloom, or a caterpillar turning into a butterfly, it is a complex process. With the chicks, they grow within the egg and develop key structures at different stages. I won't bore you with the details as they are much the same for any creature. However with the chicken, if the humidity and heat are right, by day 18 onwards its embryo should have filled three quarters of its shell. It also would have developed an egg tooth, yes you heard it right, they have an egg tooth for the prime purpose of breaking open the shell.

The clever chick positions itself at a peculiar angle and jerks its body to break through the membrane and into the the air sac. This is when it takes a rest and its body adjusts to breathing. If the incubator is to humid, the chick ( s it has breathed it can be called a chick) is likely to drown in its own fluids, if it is to dry the embryo or chick sticks to shell and dies. Once it is through the air sac and has rested, it starts the mammoth task of chipping away at its shell to join the world. I guess you could liken this to the first and second stage stage of human labour. The process can happen very quickly or take hours.

I have just added some body temperature water to ensure # 5 Chickie has optimum humidity and chance of survival and have taken some photos. E-mails have been sent to share my excitement and make use of my waiting time. As expected, Barry (son) was still up and responded with enthusiasm, he predicts the chick will be a boy. I think you can tell with Silkies by sexing the feathers on the first day only. So I will be looking at the pin feathers, if they are all one length then it will likely be a rooster, if they are two different lengths then it is likely to be a pullet. (Do not google feather sexing Silkies) I am counting the hours until I can ring the Grandchildren up and tell them that # 5 has started to peep.

I am wondering if animals have the same tendency to die in the early hours of the morning much the same as humans. My mind is thinking that would be a great piece of research to read or for somebody to do, if the reasons can be identified. The low staffing issues in hospital is giving as a prime reason, and although that is plausible it does not account for the natural deaths within the same given time scale. Life and death are so extrinsically linked, and is the one certainty we have. I am starting to ramble now so I will sign of, as it is now 04.15 and will keep you all posted.

I spoke to soon, I have just checked the Chicks/eggs and Egg # 3 is now pipping. I love my Chickens :o)

The girls, Henrietta & Ken, just before having a dust bath

This is also one of their favorite places to sit and wait until the rain stops. The garden has a few shelters, including their coop for them to sit in if it raining, however it would appear that they love being outside in the rain as much as Duane and I.

Ken has been off laying for the past six + weeks, prior to that she was laying soft shell eggs. They looked like something from an alien film. I thought it was likely that she had reached the end of her laying days and was going to enjoy the rest of her days foraging, sunbathing and dust bathing.

This may not be the case now, as we noticed for the past couple of days she had been sitting on the nest, then yesterday she produced a soft egg. Picture will be uploaded soon. Well done Ken, we would not have minded if you never laid again, we just love hearing your 'cluck of delight' when you do lay. I think she may have been having a moult, it was hard to tell as she was also growing her feathers back after being rescued from the Battery farm by Linda & Robert from the http://www.freeatlast.org/ If you have not had chance to read about Freebie, the extraordinary rescue hen, I urge you to do so. As my Mum would say. it will warm the cockles of your heart. I have still not worked out where the cockles of my heart are. It would seem that the extra calcium and cod liver oil supplements may have helped her, coupled with the odd tipple of Cider vinegar.

Ken is a very gentle chicken, after n' 'Tucky died, Henrietta, decided she was 'head hen', and went from being the least assertive to Ms Bossy Boots. Ken will stand up to her if he needs to. He has been known to stick up for Barbie Q and Bruno, he will peck back at Henrietta, is she is having a peck at the babies. I must replace Ken's ring, I had to take it off in a hurry when she managed to get it caught in the stake the keeps the eglu door open, imagine flapping chicken pinned by the leg and me frantically trying to calm and free her.

Ken does like to rest a lot, and given the life she had in the factory it is nice to see her do so. Duane rang me the other day to say he had left the kitchen door open whilst making the coop, and realised Ken was no longer with Henrietta supervising the build. He saw the kitchen door was open and made his way swiftly to the kitchen. As he walked in he noticed the door to the dining area and lounge was open and feared the worse. However what he was met with was Ken, sitting asleep in the middle of the kitchen floor. Ken just opened and eye and returned to sleeping. We love our chickens ;o)

New eggwegs on the way & trying to convinve Tony free range chicks will be a good addition to the family ;o)

Tomorrow I am having some eggs sent to me, 2 x Jersey Giants poss 3 if another is laid today. The white or light eggs from black or Buff Orpington x Brhama (very big birds). Gold Brahma Orpington Barnvelder, Cream Legbar or hybred, pure Buff Orpington egg. I was hoping for a couple of French Marans, however they are not laying at the moment. Tony & Ania, you would love this birds, they lay deep chocolate eggs, they would blend well with your french life style. You need chickens, Tony, fresh organic eggs for your Gite guest, try and convince him Ania, Evie and Alex. We could even bring the eggs over to incubate, subject to custom regulations. I love my chickens ;o)

The girls, Henrietta & Ken decided to stay up to watch Duane finish the exterior of the n' Tucky villa. Just the perches to install tomorrow after Duane picks up the brooding heat lamp and chick feeders. You cannot see the great ramp he has made, they girls have practiced walking up and down successfully. Ken decided he wanted to have a look in. The pictures will follow shortly. I love my chickens and Duane xx ;o).

The Hen House from Conception to Birth

I knew we would need another Chicken Coop that would enable the chickens to have lots more room in the coop and still give them full run of their best part of the garden to grub about in safely when we are not in. It would also make sure that some of the grass would be protected from chicken poo. I have the discussion with hubby Duane about a new coop, he agrees, as he loves an excuse to get out the power tools and be creative. We both disregarded ready made ones as they looked OK on display however did not seem to offer to much for the chickens.

I had spent hours looking at various designs, researching the pitfalls of different designs and what features benefited the chickens. needless to say I bombarded Duane with these and had numerous discussions about the pros and cons of them. all. I wanted to convert the green house, Duane did not think this would work as the structure was to weak. I agreed and may use it as brooder/halfway house or hospital at some stage. I then wanted an Ark, very easy to build and can be moved around the garden. I knew this would be an easy build for me. Duane wanted a chicken coop on stilts. So we agreed that a chicken coop would be the immediate priority and I would design and build my Ark at my leisure.

As I was on leave from work it gave me the opportunity to visit the buildings merchants DIY stores and e-bay for for Meta posts tanalised wood etc and do my price comparisons. It never ceases to amaze me the manner in which stores, store wood. As is often the case we have to sort through the wood to find some that is not warped. I know it doesn't matter how much wood we buy, Duane will return for some more.

We have long ago come to the conclusion that this is the way our minds see and manage things, I see the completed project and will buy and build accordingly, which usually presents to an outsider as absolute chaos and many things going on at once. Duane works and manages in steps. It works well as we have a system to incorporate both of our styles. Although there is the occasional blips. Such as with the height of the nesting boxes in the coop. Soon resolved by Duane doing a dropped rear door so that me and the grandchildren to be able to access the eggs.

Same with the ramp for the chickens to get into he coop. In my mind I knew the ramp would need to have an angle that that the chickens could manage with ease. Again soon sorted, Duane made a two part ramp which Ken done a test drive on and appeared satisfied. Henrietta ,when testing the initial ramp, reminded me of when I had to try and ski down whistler mountain and lacked the ability to do so efficiently. I think the ramp may be called Henrietta's slide.

The build has gone very well. Day one, was when Duane knocked in the 3ft deep Meta post and put the 3" by 3 uprights in. With our heavy soil and the depth of the posts mean these are not going to move. Next was the framework, all done without from Duane's design. This was soon followed by the internal walls and then the installation and outer walls. Much of the work was undertaken by Duane in the rain. We had an interesting discussion about the roofing, felt and bitumen was the easy application, however this has a tendency to allow red mite to hide, so we agreed on Onduline corrugated roofing. Next was the nesting boxes and dividers, the drop down feature is excellent.

David worked for his dinner when he came over, he loves our chickens and was able to entice them all to eat corn from his hand. The power tools were also a pull for him. He had a glint in his eye when he had the Paslode nail gun in his hand, I left them both to it and carried on doing the finishing touches to the dinner. Both he and Duane manged to secure the roof safely with the help of some decent red wine.

The final touches to the build of coop are taken place today. This will be temporary pop door (Duane is going to fit an automatic one, when he makes the circuit board etc.) He also intends to put in a wireless web cam eventually. He is making off the roosting bars in different sizes and shapes to accommodate most discerning hen. I am hopeful that the coop will be spray painted tonight so that the chickens can take up residence on Wednesday. This is when I intend to pick up a a POL Gold Lace Orpington and a white Silkie or Sultan. If they all go into the coop together, the pecking order will likely change to Bruno's advantage (hopefully). The next bit is to name the coop in n' Tuckeys memory. He is buried near the the coop, I may make the hen house plaque. It is a good build, well done Duane xx. I love my chickens (and Duane :o)

The babies Barbie Q & Bruno 'Chilling out'

As always,these two are never apart. Most of the photographs I take of them together make them look like Siamese twins, if they are sunbathing, Bruno tends to be snuggled up under Barbie Q. I think Barbie Q is going to be a great Mum, even though I still think she may be a cockerel.

Of interest is Heidi (not Granddaughter Heidi,) our blue cream Persian exotic girl, has always been an aloof cat to anyone, other than Hubby Duane, whom she adores has taken a liking to Barbie Q. Not in a way the makes us think she wants her for breakfast. Heidi will patrol the perimeter of the enclosure and if Barbie Q, is nestling near the fence with Bruno, Heidi will often nuzzle up close to the fence and do a nose to nose with Barbie Q.

Heidi will also sit and watch 'the babies' as we call them, then patrol the garden and make sure the babies are safe in bed of the night time. Heidi then waits with us until Ken, and Henrietta, are also safely in bed for the night, and the coop, run and enclosure are safely closed and locked for the night. First thing in the morning, Heidi is ready for duty, and will be up and out with me before she has breakfast herself, the chickens do not know how lucky they are having there very own patrol guard cat.

Heidi also goes into the run has a drink of the water and check the babies are in bed by looking in the coop. Maybe this is why she never minds sharing her food with 'the girls' as they always come into the house in the evening to have a snack of cat food and peck up anything of interest on the kitchen floor. This must rate as one of the best excuse ever, for not sweeping the kitchen floor, I can say with full commitment, 'I need to leave it for the girls'. Back to chicken guard cat Heidi, she is also is up early in the morning with me to feed and let out 'the girls' before having her own breakfast. Lester, our self red exotic (looks like Garfield) will watch the chickens from afar and does not 'do mornings' and will run away if 'the girls' get to close to him. No stereo typing of the male ego with 'our Lester' I love my chickens :o)

Bruno not looking her best

Nobody has told Bruno that her feathers are not waterproof. He remains a hysterical little girl at times, and continually relies on Barbie-Q the little Silkie for reassurance.

As soon as Henrietta, (OK she does bully her given the chance) or Ken go near her she runs around squawking just as I imagine a headless chicken would do. However there is no doubting her flying and climbing abilities when she believes she is under threat, which she believes is 60% of the time. Ken never bothers her and Barbie Q protects her from her own shadow.

Bruno's typical day is as follows: I open the Eglu between, 05.30-06.00 in the morning, Bruno is always found to be sleeping in the nest box and is the last one out following Barbie Q. More often than not, I will lift him out of the coop, give him a stroke and fuss, then carry him out to the enclosure and place him in the nesting box within the compost bin coop. Bruno is then joined by Barbie, they both forage about within the enclosure. If one of us is about, they are allowed out of the enclosure. Bruno does not leave Barbie Q's sight unless it is to run, climb or fly away when startled. At these times she will head towards the Eglu coop.

When she is not fleeing her own and others shadows she will be in the nest box or snuggle under Barbie Q. Her other favourite past time is sunbathing. Maybe she thinks she is still a chick and suffering from separation anxiety. Duane believes her demeanour is because she is the only white chicken. The grandchildren, Jack, Emily and Annabell believe it is because she is the 'baby' and gets scared easily and needs to be protected. Heidi moo, our youngest granddaughter, looks ,says 'chickens' and then points, giggles and laughs at her.

After spending the day, fleeing, flying foraging, sleeping and sunbathing, Bruno will make her way back to the coop, she goes to bed early, usually by 18.00. Barbie Q has to go in with her and will sit with her until she settles. If Barbie Q decides she wants to slip out for a quick drink or bite to eat when she is on 'guard duty' Bruno will squawk her displeasure.

Then comes the moment that I guess Bruno probably hates most, Henrietta, going to bed. This remains a supervised activity. Ken will enter the run and coop, pop his head through the door, step in, take his position and settle. Not so with Henrietta, everyone has to know she is not happy with Bruno and rules the roost. She will be the last one to go to bed, choosing to have last minute feasts before going in and out of the run (just to see if we are watching I think). Then she clucks and chicken moans with disapproval before putting her head into the coop. I think this is chicken psychological warfare. This is repeated a few times before she enters the coop, once inside there is a bit of moving about and much continued moaning from Henrietta. I will open the hatch to check she is not having a surreptitious peck at Bruno. Time out for her if she is caught doing this (More on Henrietta in another blog) . The chickens all move about to allow Henrietta to have whatever is her chosen place and within minutes they have settled.

It always reminds me of when the children would have sleep overs and you would have to go and 'have words' and wait at the bottom of the stairs and listen to ensure they are settling. Needless to say in the morning, Bruno has the prized position is always snuggled in the nesting box in the morning. So starts another day in the life of Bruno. One of the positive aspects of Bruno's demeanor is that a solution may be to by a white Silkie or another Sultan. To date, I am not sure if my Silkie eggs are going to hatch. That is another blog....

.

Barbie-Q on the way home

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

More Bruno gets a bath pics

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Bruno gets a bath.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Dear Theresa

I love seeing your birthday chickens I will watch then grow
love you mum xxxxxx

My Birthday Chickens ;o)

I had already had early Birthday presents with my Eglu and incubator. However, Duane and I thought it may be nice to get me a chicken for my Birthday, this was not as a replacement for our recently deceased n-Tucky. I had checked out a couple of silkie chicken breeders on line and decided to visit Chris Sander of http://www.peartreefarmpoultry.co.uk/ with a view to buying a gold POL silky. So on my birthday morning we drove over there, complete with cat basket and eventually found the farm. What a fantastic place it was, Chris and his partner breed rare breed sheep, and hens which they took the trouble to introduce us to. We also met the pet pig who preferred rest to company that particular morning.

Getting back to the Birthday chicken, well as soon as we went into the barn we were surrounded by the most beautiful variety of chicks. We had already decided that we wanted a gold Silky and Chris picked her up for me to give a her a cuddle. I also saw the most funniest Sultan chicken, who just had to come along as a companion to the Silky. Just as we were about to go we met the rabbits, knowing how much the grandchildren and daughter love rabbits, we just had to buy Sergeant Bum Fluff, a handsome Lion Head rabbit.

We had already decided that our next chicken was going to be called Barbie-Q (Duane's idea), by this time I had already got her out of the cage and onto my lap for a fuss in the back of the car. Bruno was the name we gave to our sultan chick, it was nearly going to be Shirley after my Mum, however watching the way he half wiggled and strutted reminded me of the Sacha Baron Cohen's character Bruno, so yet again I gave a hen a male name. My Mum had a quick sneak preview of them on the way back home.

Once we got the Birthday chicks home we let them have a walk about in the lounge. This is when we agreed with Chris's view that Bruno was not the sharpest knife in the block. He spotted his reflection in the mirror in the lounge and was postulating in front of it, seemingly thinking it was another chicken! Heidi and Lester, the cats did not seem to be fussed about the new arrivals. I gave Bruno a shampoo and blow dry. I was only going to do his lovely feathered feet at first, however as he appeared to not raise any objections to water, so he had the full works. They then met all the grand children and family that had come to share the day. Needless to say they all thought they were great.

Next was the introduction to Henrietta and Kendra. Duane had fenced off a separate area which Henrietta and Kendra had been placed into much to their annoyance, as the plan was for Bruno and Barbie-Q to go into Eglu. Henrietta and Kendra appeared to be more cross that they were not full free ranging rather than being overly disturbed by new arrivals. So we allowed them back out, they did briefly chase and peck Bruno and Barbie-Q, however this was very short lived and the latter decide to go to bed early in the Eglu coop. Henrietta and Kendra also wanted to sleep in the Eglu that night so we watched and waited until they put themselves to bed, and much to our surprise there was no fighting. We went out there a couple of times to see if they were all OK and they were all snuggled up to each other.

The following morning they were all desperate for the door to be opened to get out, Henrietta and Kendra went foraging and we moved Bruno and Barbie -Q into the big pen, complete with a new compost bin converted into a shelter for them. I realised I may have over done the precautionary red mite powder when I saw Bruno fluff his feather amidst a cloud of powder. The pair of them were inseparable in the pen, and for some reason, Heidi, one of our Exotic Persian cats seems to have taken a likening to Barbie-Q and goes up to the fence, Barbie-Q responds in kind, so it is nose to beak at the fence. Watching Bruno walk on grass can only be described as a cross between a crazy bird goose stepping and doing a move from The Matrix film.

All to soon it was time for bed, we opened the pen and the newbies went straight to bed, followed by Kendra, although he did briefly chase Barbie -Q out of the coop. Henrietta waited so long before she would go into the coop and clucked (moaned) continually for at least an hour before she went in. Yet again, they all settled well and continued to do so each time we checked. We will still keep them separate during the day time tomorrow and see how they go. I love my chickens ;o)

Incubation of Silkie Eggs
I purchase 6 mixed Silkie eggs from e-bay, unfortunately there was a slight delay in the delivery. I set them for twelve hours and bought them up to room temperature before putting them in my incubator. we numbered them and put the O & X on each side of the eggs so we were aware of the turning sequences. We did name on n'Tuckey. I did candle them before putting them in and continued to turn 5+ times daily. Duane sorted the temperature and placed an internal/ external digital temperature device to ensure accuracy. The set up is is in our den, the continued switching on an off of the light (which regulates the heat) did not prove to be distracting. I sorted the humidity and if I have worked it right I will not have to add water until the chicks hopefully stat peeping from day 19 onwards. I will then increase the humidity with warm water, possibly on a sponge or in the well.

Day 5 showed one very porous egg when candled, it did not appear to be fertile. Unfortunately this was the one Duane had called n' Tuckey. I had to resist the temptation to swop it for one that did look fertile. We decided n'Tuckey egg could stay in the incubator in case a miracle happened.

Day 10 was not a lucky day for egg #6. I dropped it whilst turning it. I knew I was tired and feeling clumsy, so had already made the decision not to candle until the evening. So all that I needed to do was rotate the eggs from the X to O sides. my and and brain were clearly not in sycn, as I managed to lift the egg out of the incubator and drop it on the floor. The developing embryo could not be saved, so was quickly swooped up complete with shell and yolk and dispatched to the loo, along with a quick prayer. I then had to clear up the remaining mess which had manage to splash onto Duane's Ed Hardy shoes and computer case. I spoke my guilt to the remaining eggs and turned them extra carefully. The remainder of the eggs looked appropriately dark when candled although only one was seen by me to be actively moving.

Day 17 I candled the eggs with two of the Grandchildren, Jack and Emily, there appeared to be movement in one of eggs, the others seemed quite still so may have died. The children loved watching chickens hatch on U tube and learning about a chicks development.

Day 18 I have put special mat in the incubator in preparation for 'the hatch' This is to help the chicks grip ad prevent splayed legs. OK, the mat is one that Duane agreed to give me from his car dashboard. it is the woven type things that stop things sliding about, so my logic is, the weave of the mat will work for the chicks. Both Duane and I have spoken to the eggs before I closed of the incubator. It can not be opened until the peeps start peeping. Duane and I peep at the eggs occasionally whilst we are waiting, I am taking leave so that I can be at home, if, and when they peep.

Day 19 No news or signs of anything yet. I have my next batch of mixed eggs on order. I did look up about sexing chick on google, so that I could be be aware if I have any potential cockerels in the hatch. A piece of advice, do not google sexing chicks. As this blog may be read by children I will not elaborate on the multitude of variations this search activated. I love my chickens :0)

Poor n'Tuckey

Last night I found n'Tuckey on our patio after she had choked on a slug.

I have added a page with some pictures of her at the top of the blog.

I know she was 'just a chicken' and I don't expect most people to understand, but we were both in tears as we buried her.

At least we know she had a good few months of life at the end.

Duane saw them first. It was not love at first sight, however it did not take him long to become besotted

I had been waiting for the call from www.free-at-last.org.uk/ run by Linda and Robert based in Bedfordshire, to advise us as to when the next rescue would take place. We had purchased the Eglu, and all that was needed to give three hens a chance of different life. The call came through, the date was set and I was counting off the days until we could pick up the hens.

The night before we were due to pick them up I landed up unexpectedly in hospital, my main concern was to get out asap to collect the hens. That did not happen, so Duane had the pleasure of meeting Linda and collecting the hens. I was given a detailed account of everything that was going on via our mobile phones, When they arrived home he put them in the Eglu and being batts, they had not experienced grass, natural light etc. Apparently they just stayed almost ‘frozen’ in statue to the ground. Even after a few hours they had not moved much in the run, other than to do multiple poo’s and had no idea they needed to go to bed in the coop. Our daughter Rachelle came to the rescue and apparently doing a commando leopard crawl, managed to move them into the coop. I am not sure her clothes were ever the same after that ordeal.

Duane had thoughtfully videoed the hens in their new home so I could share the experience whilst in hospital (not the usual noise associated with hospitals). By this time Duane had names two of the hens, n’Tucky and Kendra, the name I gave mine was Henrietta, after one of my Mum & Dads chickens. I received regular updates on their progress and Duane would bring me in boiled eggs and egg mayo mix from them when I was on a light food regime and kept me updated via photos and videos. I finally got out to meet them and was as besotted as Duane with them. Henrietta, looked most like a chicken, as she had more feathers on her, her bum was bare, she had to have a couple of warm baths(and an occasional lube with almond oil) to help her lay as she had a tendency to get egg bound. Kendra, shortened to Ken had little feathering on his wings and looked a bit bedraggled, he was then the most aloof of the hens, n-Tucky was comical to look at he had no neck feathers and not too much covering the rest of him. He would run, like an ostrich, although he was a hen, I always saw and referred to him as a male, there was nothing feminine about him.

After a couple of weeks of them feeling safe in the Eglu, we let them out of the run to free range to explore and be chickens. It still gives me a lovely warm glow seeing them foraging, having dust baths and coming to join us in the kitchen, where they helping themselves to the cats Iams food. They like to come and sit under the chair or be near us when we are in the garden. Their other favourite place is on the patio door steps where they peck for attention, never failing to leave present of a poo. I love my chickens :o)

I ate that egg

This was n-Tuckys first gift to us, which Duane cooked and bought to the hospital for me. We always knew which ones were his they would be a light coloured egg that initially had a thin shell. He would lay an egg a day and I would always be out to collect it just as he had laid it (it would still be warm and slightly wet. He also would cluck with pride for a job well done. Ken would lay a darker speckled egg at lunchtime and Henrietta would sometimes lay soft eggs or occasional get it right and would lay brown eggs intermittently. As time went on and they got used to organic free range food in the morning and corn in the afternoon, coupled with their cider vinegar and cod liver oil supplements, fruit and veg treats and visits to the cats bowls, their egg shells became more dense and the egg yolks became a lovely golden colour. Their combs and waffles also went from being limp and pale pink to red and perky. I love my chickens ;o)

Eggs Ahoy!

Yippee - Our First Egg!

MKChickens is born

As Theresa had been wanting Chickens pretty much since I have known her, I finally relented.

We rescued three battery hens in a somewhat clandestine operation. (Unless meeting people on quiet country lanes to get chickens is normal that is.)

So that's how it started we ended up with Henrietta, Kendra and n'Tuckey.

OK, so the deal was that I at least got to name a couple of them. :o)