As you may recall I started this soon to be ongoing blog with a photo of all the setup we had done for the arrival of our meat chickens. But as FARM FATE would have it the plan was changed. The hatchery was
unable to mail us the chicks on the scheduled date because of extreme heat in
Nebraska and had already had to furnish replacements for some orders that didn't
survive the shipping. Thus causing the next problem. They had to sell our chicks and we had to wait till they had fresh day old chicks so they can be shipped. A chick has a portion of the yolk left inside it's stomach when it hatches to provide food and liquid for the chick till it learns how to find food and water usually 2-3 days worth. That's how they are able to be shipped. We waited, and waited while having already set dates for the planned butchering class....
unable to mail us the chicks on the scheduled date because of extreme heat in
Nebraska and had already had to furnish replacements for some orders that didn't
survive the shipping. Thus causing the next problem. They had to sell our chicks and we had to wait till they had fresh day old chicks so they can be shipped. A chick has a portion of the yolk left inside it's stomach when it hatches to provide food and liquid for the chick till it learns how to find food and water usually 2-3 days worth. That's how they are able to be shipped. We waited, and waited while having already set dates for the planned butchering class....
They look yellow and white but they are all yellow. One week later we were able to have them sent and they arrived safe and sound! 104 sweet little yellow puffs of feathers. Snuggled up warm and safe in their shipping box. It was only 68' outside when I picked them up so they were happy to snuggle. Central Hatchery called us just as soon as they had a chance to collect enough chicks and ship them.
Good Water! Nebraska's HOT! Once they have been counted each chick is removed from the box and given a drink. First and foremost to be sure EACH chick gets some hydration started, so it knows what the waterer is and it is given a health check. Feet, bottoms for pasty butt, and anything else note worthy. You may have noticed I use newspaper on the floors starting out.
What's This? Having some food. That is to prevent a deadly condition known as pasty butt. Where the manure and feathers stick to their bottoms making it impossible to GO. This is caused by eating wood shavings. We introduce the chicks to food and water and for a few days they will stay on the papers. Then we can introduce wood shavings without them eating to many of them and becoming sick. A chicks mother usually introduces them to food and water.
Lots to explore This group of 104 are healthy and active and chasing flies and bugs, and each other. Their trip seems to have been a good one and we will keep you posted on their progress. You are welcome to visit them and take a tour. Preparations on their next pen are underway. They move outside in 3-4 weeks.
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