Chicks arrive

I had planned on writing about the amazing Immigrant and Minority Farmers Conference I attended for the 4th year in a row and this year presented at. But that will have to wait till Friday because I am brimming with news about the chicks.

For those of you that have never ordered chicks before this is how they come--in a box to the post office. It took just a day to get our chicks from the hatchery in Iowa. Meaning they arrived earlier then expected. Luckily we had everything set up and we have learned a lesson.

We ordered Rhode Island Reds, Buff Orpintons, Sumatras, a couple Polish and a mixed package. It will be so fun to see how these chicks develop and what they will look like.

Two's favorite is this little Polish guy. You can see to poufy feathers that will be quite striking the older he gets. (We ordered a couple Polish roosters as these are Proeun's favorite).

They are so cute and run around under the heat lamps. It is surpising how strong they are on day 2 of life. You have to be very careful when in the brooder though because they will sneak up on you. While I was working with they lights this little sheila climbed on my foot for a bit. Be very careful where you step. Luckily we haven't lost any yet.

Last night we did discover a potential problem though--"pasting up." This condition is when the chicks poo pastes up on their rear ends blocking their "vent" and keeping them from pooing (really technical) anymore. It can be deadly. So we discovered some chicks with pasting up right before bed last night. Treatment includes dipping the chicks rear end in a bowl full of warm water to soften it and then using a q-tip or paper towel to remove the hopefully now soft poo. Then you blow dry the chicks butt and keep an eye on them. Yes this is what Proeun and I were doing until 10:30 last night. Animal husbandry at its best.

This morning when the kids asked to check the chicks I explained the problem to them and they really enjoyed looking for the chicks with the condition. They are really getting to be a big help. I am convinced that they prefer to have a job to do and be of value and service to the family then living an idle life. And honestly I prefer it too.

Amy Doeun