It seems like lots of families have been getting chickens because of COVID. And we decided to jump onto the bandwagon as well!
We paid a visit to Wilco, our local farm store in early August. While a little late to the game, the kids were still extremely excited about it. The chickens usually take about 18 weeks to mature and start laying eggs. We're not sure if they will start laying during the winter, most likely not...so maybe will start laying in the spring...
At the store, they are often sold out...but we called ahead this time. Karina is admiring all the little chickies.
Here is the lady helping us with the new family members. We got one that is a Buff Orpington and two Austrolorps. Both are laying species (as opposed to meat birds) and supposed to be good with kids.
Eliana could hardly wait to get home...
And then they changed day-to-day seemingly before our eyes. They quickly sprouted feathers on their wings.
They are very curious little creatures and if you ever put your hand down into the bin, they would come over to inspect it.
The kids love carrying the birds around and this one is helping to read their email.
They also each have their own personalities. The yellow one, who the kids named Chippy, is the most adventurous. She will come over at peck at the camera if it is put within reach.
They also like to perch on top of anything high. So we put a rock in there for them to sit on. They immediately started pushing each other off, so they could stand on it.
After a couple of weeks, they look more like chickens with longer necks and tail feathers. Here again is Chippy approaching the camera.
We tell the kids to handle the birds every day so that when they grow into adult chickens, they will be used to people. So during home school time, sometimes the girls will hold the chicks on their laps.
They are growing really fast and soon will be ready to move out of the house!
