Thursday, February 28, 2013

Cheep, Cheep

Another sign of spring?

Baby chicks arrived!
 We ordered a rather large batch of laying hen chicks this year and we always love holding them.
We usually order from Murray McMurray and are always happy with the healthy birds they send. This year, however, was a huge disappointment. Well over a dozen chicks died within the first 24 hours. I called the hatchery and they said that the birds were a day late arriving. They are sending me replacements out this weekend. I truly hope that they are healthy and timely in their arrival. Customer service was friendly, but it is still very heart breaking to lose so many chicks.

 We ordered Easter Eggers, Buff Orpingtons, Cochins, and Blue Laced Wyandottes.

Of course yesterday Devin and I ventured out to run errands and guess what we found at the tractor store?

Yes we saw ducklings and yes we bought some. Eight to be exact. They had Mallard, which we planned to buy for our drake here that is a bit lonely.

 They also had Runner Ducks, which we could not resist. The kids couldn't resist holding the little fuzz balls to their faces. It's healing for the soul.

Finally, they had Khacki Campbells (the brown ducklings) and those have always been a favorite of mine.
Aren't they the cutest little things?


The children are usually found gathered around the brood boxes staring at the little things in pure delight. They are also naming them and picking ones out for their "own."


I am sure warm weather is just around the corner. It just has to be..........

 .....................................the baby birds are here for snuggling and kissing.


Happy Friday! Here's to a new season of life just around the corner!


9 comments:

  1. So sweet!! I cannot wait for ours to arrive mid May!!! Where do you keep your brooding box? Do you have nosy dogs? We do and this is our first time with chicks...

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    1. This year I have the brooder in the basement. I usually keep it near my kitchen, but I don't trust the toddler:-) My dogs do not bother the birds at all. The first year we had them Arwen killed a couple but she has since learned to not even look at them. Ditto for the bull dogs:-) You will love having chicks!!!!

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  2. I can't wait for ours to get here!!!! Just a few more days.... :)

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  3. So sorry about the great many that died. :(

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  4. Awe, they are so sweet! I just filled our incubator yesterday. We are hoping to have a good hatch for Easter, and can't wait. Hurry up spring!

    One question, you have quite large wood shavings in with your ducklings, do you find that is the best bedding for them? Our ducklings were so messy last year, I'm a little nervous of having them again. We tried fine wood shavings, and this hemp poultry bedding. The hemp bedding worked pretty well, but was way too expensive. Any tips on how you keep your adorable little ducks clean would be really appreciated.

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    Replies
    1. Ducklings are just messy! Pine bedding seems to be the best for soaking up water. It's not as bad when I use an actual chicken waterer versus a bowl of water. After a couple of days I have to rake out some wet bedding and replace it, but I do think regular pine bedding works best. Good luck hatching eggs! We just hatched some silkies:)

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  5. Love, love, love!

    Buff Orps are my favorite. Also I want to get me some runner ducks, but have had trouble justifying the leap to ducks. Hmmm. What to do.

    Your photos are gorgeous, btw!

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