The Adoption

Yesterday JJ (Pup) and I went to pick out chicks. We got up and moving early Saturday morning. Actually getting dressed early on a Saturday is rather rare for us (me especially).

We headed off eagerly to Fazzio's Farm supply. We went straight to the chicks. Okay I might have detoured through the vegetable plant area for a moment but then went directly to the chicks. So darn cute! We perused the different kinds they had. I really had no clue, I just wanted chickens, but JJ named two different kinds he wanted. He really wanted Marans but they are rather rare and I just couldn't wait any longer. With much teasing and joking around Pup managed to get us a discount on the Barred Rock chicks from 2.50 to 2.00 each so we got 10 then got 6 Americanas in various colors. We loaded them in the pet carrier we had brought with us. They had boxes to put them in if you did not have a carrier, which is good to know for future purchases.

1st day home!

We bought a feeder, water dispenser, feed, bedding and a flat of half yellow and half white squash along with the 16 chicks. Total cost around 80.00 I think. We had to make a stop at the dollar store for 100 watt light bulbs to use in the brooder box.

We brought them home and got them settled in. Tried to introduce them to Havoc (the Lab). Did not go over real well. He looked at them like they were snacks. We will have to see how that goes. The cats were curious, of course. They didn't bother them though and the brooder is strong enough to protect the babies.

I kept an eye on them, checking once every 30 minutes or so. I noticed they were all huddled together and there was a good bit of chirping. I had read that means they are cold so I moved the light closer and covered the screen part with old towels. It warmed them up and soon they were exploring the brooder more, eating and drinking. They seem happy and content and not chirping loudly at all anymore.

I went to bed last night hoping to wake up and find them all alive this morning. Yay! Success! They all made it through the first night! They seem happy and healthy. So far so good!