We passed week 4 with the loss of a second bird.  I failed to mention losing a chick during week 2 to an unknown cause.  This week we had to euthanize a bird that developed leg problems and couldn't walk.  These losses happen and though I have tried many times to nurse these types of birds thru this problem, they never have gotten better or survived to grow any further and the condition must be painful.  So we did not let this one suffer. 

As you can see we have moved on a step further in bringing in the larger wooden troughs.  This gives me a place to feed many birds fast and keep them busy while I fill the other feeders.  These guys are chilling in the nice shade provided by the tall weeds.

The wooden trough is homemade and provides a large feeding space while still discouraging them from standing in it.  The center rod can roll so they lose their balance, keeping them out of the feed.

During the heat of the day they enjoy the shade and cool water inside their shed.  The flaps that open out give even more shade. 

Happy Day!  We moved OUTSIDE! 

At three weeks old they had enough feathers to move outside to the open shed and much larger pen with dirt and weeds to enjoy!  The yard is 24ft x 24ft square. This gives them a lot of sun, soil, and weeds to enjoy.  

Learning to be chickens they are dusting in the nice fresh dirt!  They are still unsure about having so much space.  So they are staying close to the shed.

One little man found him a nice weedy place in the shade.  It will be so much nicer to take care of them.  They are using the 5 larger, trough like feeders and now have three of the larger waterers (2 -3 gallon and 1-5 gallon one).  We may add one more waterer as time goes on.  I also placed the four 1 gallon waterers around the yard so they don't get away from the shed and over heat before they learn how to get back and forth.

Half way thru week two we have had to upgrade to the larger feeders.  It makes feeding and taking care of them faster as well as they can spread out more as they are growing in leaps and bounds.  I also cleaned them again and they are enjoying the fresh bedding. 

We added a larger 3 gallon waterer as well since they are drinking and eating so much.  We keep the one gallon waterers out too so they don't have to go to far to find water anywhere in the room.  During the day I turn the brooder lights off as well but with our cooler afternoons and storms I make sure they are on for them at night.  The room stays plenty warm during the day for them.  Despite the excellent care they are getting we did lose a chick to an unknown cause.  But the other 103 are doing fine.

And yet others like this little girl are almost fully feathered out.  With luck by the end of week three we can look at moving them outside if they are big enough and feathered enough to go without the brooder.  They have to be bigger than the chain link fence and able to sleep together at night for warmth in the shed without brooder lights.  The unusual weather may be a challenge but we can cope.

Entering Week Two with a good cleaning and still 104 strong.  The chicks were having fun being wild and crazy kids today as I had to clean with them in there.  We do half the room.  Re-bed that half.  Move the food and water and clean the second half closer to the door.  They ran about like crazy on their own and without being harassed in any way.  They played on the mountain and had fights with each other and my feet.  They are growing so fast, they naturally rest on their bellies to eat.  It's been warm enough to turn the brooder lights off during the day saving energy if I'm home to warm them up if it storms.

They are feathering out on their wings and tails already and some on the chest and shoulders.  Eat, eat, eat.  Its the driving force in their lives but they are living and picking on each other and working the dominance angle of who gets the best spots.  In short being Chickeny... as suggested like what Joel says being Piggy...

The smell and mess has almost driven out the cuteness but then they look at you.  They are what they are, its what they do, and we appreciate all they do for us.  I will make sure they are happy and healthy, right up until they aren't.  We Honor Them the whole way.