Saturday, 4 September 2010
Live Web Cam View of The Secret Lives of the Chicks
Friday, 3 September 2010
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
Egg # 1, Obama is Born
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)
Thursday, 2 September 2010
Chick # 5 is now named Onion
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
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.
Wednesday, 1 September 2010
OMG - I am getting a little scared now....
Just to give you an idea of the scale of these things, here is a picture of a 6 month old Jersey Giant.
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
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
Rachellé talking to the Peep
Picture of Egg # 5 and 3 Peeping
Number 5 Egg has Pipped
Tuesday, 31 August 2010
The girls, Henrietta & Ken, just before having a dust bath
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)
Monday, 30 August 2010
New eggwegs on the way & trying to convinve Tony free range chicks will be a good addition to the family ;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
The babies Barbie Q & Bruno 'Chilling out'
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
Sunday, 15 August 2010
I love seeing your birthday chickens I will watch then grow
love you mum xxxxxx
Saturday, 14 August 2010
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)
Wednesday, 11 August 2010
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
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.
Wednesday, 14 July 2010
Duane saw them first. It was not love at first sight, however it did not take him long to become besotted
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)
Saturday, 15 May 2010
I ate that egg
Friday, 14 May 2010
Thursday, 13 May 2010
MKChickens is born
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)