Our chicks are here!
We were expecting 5-6lb hens, but we got chicks instead. I’m embracing the task of raising these babies so thaat this fall they will be laying eggs for my family. It’s exciting to know we won’t have to rely on a grocery store for eggs, especially with the cost of organic and cage free eggs.
Until they can go in their coop, they are in a 50g aquarium with pine shavings on the bottom. There is a heat lamp to keep them warm, chick feed, and water. I am going to buy a nice waterer today because they are spilling all over their shavings when I water them. With the cost of the waterer, I have put in about $20 so far for them in the chick stage.
When they can go outside, they will be in a coop at my parent’s house. We spent about $60 on hinges, fencing, and stakes. We used an old building already on their property for the coop and changed it to fit our needs like adding a small door for them to get outside. We also used scrap wood and the skills of family to build nesting boxes.
This is just one step in our goal to live more simply and more independently. Be sure to check back to read about how our garden is growing!
Congratulations! I’m so happy you posted a photo— they’re too cute! I can’t wait to hear more. What do you plan on doing with all the extra eggs you’ll have and cannot use up?
We’ve been feeding our dogs raw or partially cooked eggs, so they’ll be getting most of the extras. Otherwise we’ll sell them, give them away, or even trade them. I’ve had some offers to trade eggs for fresh produce already!
THAT is awesome!
[...] update ~ Remember these babies? Now they are red and big, but not big enough to lay yet. They even have a new coop that James [...]