We moved the chicks to their new dwelling on Monday. Having raised chicks several times over the last 10 years we knew it was time for the upgrade, or stage two as we’ve called it in the past. Being in the stock tank is fine when they are very young, but eventually, within a couple of weeks, they begin getting curious and more active. We see them craning their necks – wondering what is up and out there. They also begin using their wings to fly up and sit on top of their feed or water dishes. Past experience has taught us that before long they will fly up to the top rim of the stock tank, and from there the sky is the limit (or they could get into some serious trouble anyway). These chicks are just too young to be out exploring the world on their own – that will come in due time.

For stage two we set up this hutch where we can still keep them contained, but they have a view of the outside world. The lid assures that they can’t fly out, and we put a roost inside because even at this age they like to roost. Since the weather is still too chilly for these chicks to be comfortable outside, we covered it with a large piece of canvas and set up the heat lamp inside. This provides sufficient heat to keep these young ones alive and well.

The chicks first huddled together under the heat lamp.

Before long they began to explore.


The chicks are now content in their new digs where they will spend the next few weeks while their feathers grow in and the weather warms up.
Thanks for visiting and Happy Spring! 🙂
They’re still so small!
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They have grown quite a bit since then. I post more pictures soon.
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I’ve been hearing about the avian flu Ruth – I’m sure you’ve heard about it right now and the warnings to poultry owners, but since you’re so busy getting things ready at the farm, I’m passing along the story to you for hens and those chicks that long to be with the others:
https://www.audacy.com/wwjnewsradio/news/local/avian-influenza-confirmed-in-wild-birds-in-metro-detroit
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Thanks Linda. I didn’t know it was found in Michigan yet.
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You’re welcome Ruth – I didn’t know if you knew. Hope your flock and your little ones stay safe.
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Thanks Linda we can only pray that they do.
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Are they okay to stay in the barn and not free range until this avian flu passes? Too bad it was not in the Winter months when they are inside all the time.
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Keeping them cooped up goes against what we believe in. I think we will just have to take our chances. My husband said he chased two geese off our pond today.
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Hopefully they are okay Ruth. I think your pond is too big to stretch netting over the pond to deter the geese until you are ready to enjoy it this Summer?
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It is too big for that, but I think we will be chasing off any water birds we see this year.
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Yes, maybe using owls (if they are afraid of them) or wind socks. Good luck Ruth.
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They grew in leaps and bounds didn’t they Ruth. I like them curious about the outside world – stay put for now little ones. 🙂
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They’re still growing quickly. I’d guess about three weeks ’til they’re ready to go to the farm.
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Oh, my goodness! They are soooo cute!!!!
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Sometimes we just sit and watch the chicks or even the chickens at the farm. We call it chicken TV. More entertaining than anything on TV.
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Hey Ruth,
Just a quick question, but can you see the blog with the accepted request? 🙂
Rory
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Hi Rory. I just clicked on your link and yes, I can see the new blog. 🙂
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Hey Ruth,
Many thanks – it still has a way to go, as there are tweaks that need doing. But l am testing to see if the system works for people to view 🙂
There may have been a glitch that needed ironing out, but if you can view then it’s been fixed 🙂
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You’re welcome, Rory. Looks like you are putting a lot of work into it.
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Yes there is quite a bit of work involved to make it right 🙂
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They are such soft adorable little things. All that fuzzy down and sweet peeping. Every time we agreed we were done keeping chickens, spring would arrive and Randy would come home from the farm store with a new batch of babies. Irresistible. Lots of memories from our chicken days.
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Even though they don’t stay fuzzy and cute I am thankful that we have always had breeds that are stay nice as adults (except for a rooster or two).
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Roosters are a whole different story……..
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Thank you for writing about your growing chicks. I’m chick-ignorant and enjoy reading about your experience.
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So glad you’re enjoying this, Anne. 🙂
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Cute colored chicks. I don’t raise chickens but like to see them at stores in the spring. Happy Spring
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I don’t know how you resist taking some home. They are just so darned cute. 🙂
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