Egg Lou Posted July 23, 2008 Author Share Posted July 23, 2008 Well done egg lou, you have obviously thought of everything and researched it in true anorak style! Only teasing - it's such a relief to be reading this rather than a "Help our eggs are hatching - where can I get chick crumb and what else do I need" thread. Keep the pictures coming!! I have no problem being called an anorak at all! particularly in this context I consider it a compliment! I remember you deciding Sonic was a little chap.. was this at 3 weeks and by comb/wattles etc? just wondered I failed at feather sexing although have wing pics if anyone fancies a go? All look the same to me Thank you all so much for hearing me out, taking the time to respond and being so supportive.. I will post more pics on a new thread soon! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redhotchick Posted July 23, 2008 Share Posted July 23, 2008 Gorgeous chicks. My Bella has gone really broody this week. There is no way I would hatch though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hils78 Posted July 24, 2008 Share Posted July 24, 2008 I think its great - in a way its almost a rescue what with your broody being used for what she was obviously destined to do. I think it would have been horrible you NOT taking them on! Keep us updated on these little beauties x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrs chook Posted July 24, 2008 Share Posted July 24, 2008 They are absolutely gorgeous Well done for 'doing your homework' in advance too. No need to be slated at all, just well done you and well done your henny for helping to raise these sweeties when they may not have made it otherwise. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
superjules Posted July 24, 2008 Share Posted July 24, 2008 Egglou, Sonic's wattles started to appear at 3 weeks, as you say, and his comb was more obvious right from the start. His behaviour is a dead giveaway too - he's been squaring up to the dog since he was 5 weeks old! He hasn't started crowing or causing problems yet, (he's 9 weeks old now) but he doesn't cheep as much as Chubby, our other chick. I don't understand feather sexing enough to give you much guidance, other than the feathers on the shoulders come through earlier in girls than on boys, but when they grow so fast, it's a real case of blink and you'll miss it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WitchHazel Posted July 24, 2008 Share Posted July 24, 2008 They really are gorgeous little things, hope to see lots more pics as they grow. I'm with James on the dispatching front. I used to be really squeamish and couldn't bear to eat meat that looked like it was an animal once, but I realised how stupid that was. For many years now I have only bought free range meat, and so do not feel guilty about it. Since keeping chickens I've decided that I think I could rear my own for meat. The first one or two would be very difficult to do, but I believe I'd "get used" to it. I am also now actively looking at the possibility of raising a couple of pigs for meat with another couple. And this journey made me much more pragmatic, and I realise that if I ever did go down the chicks route, I would have to be prepared to dispatch any boys - or grow them on for the table if they were a dual purpose breed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egg Lou Posted July 24, 2008 Author Share Posted July 24, 2008 Egglou, Sonic's wattles started to appear at 3 weeks, as you say, and his comb was more obvious right from the start. His behaviour is a dead giveaway too - he's been squaring up to the dog since he was 5 weeks old! He hasn't started crowing or causing problems yet, (he's 9 weeks old now) but he doesn't cheep as much as Chubby, our other chick. I don't understand feather sexing enough to give you much guidance, other than the feathers on the shoulders come through earlier in girls than on boys, but when they grow so fast, it's a real case of blink and you'll miss it! I have been studying the combs and feathers from day 1 but they are all the same.. definiatly there but very pale. So I guess it means I either have dodgy eyesight.. or all boys or all girls.. meanwhile they are all lovely and such fun so going to enjoy them all and Will have to wait and see for a few more weeks I'll be back for your opinion again in a couple of weeks Jules if thats ok?! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted July 24, 2008 Share Posted July 24, 2008 just caught up with this - they are sooo gorgeous! Do post some pics. I think your post at the start of this thread is almost a 'how to ...' guide for anyone wanting to hatch under a broody! I love to read about other people's hatchings (when they have planned it as well as you, of course) - I couldn't do it myself, but it must be lovely when they first emerge from the shell. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cooks Posted July 24, 2008 Share Posted July 24, 2008 just seen this, my son loved Skye!, blasted kid should be in bed not pestering me in my omlet time.. tsk tsk.. They are beautifull, absolutely stunning! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Valkyrie Posted July 24, 2008 Share Posted July 24, 2008 Yay, now I've seen the other babies - must confess, my mum and I had a sneaky peeky at Egg Lou's house after Mercedes had hatched, and poor Lou was so worried at the reaction she might get. It's great to see such positive support from the members. They are all little cuties and pleased to see Beanz out and about and happier after her refusal to "un"broody herself, the little minx - she had a cunning plan! Lou - Cheyenne all Flubenveted now, many thanks - the hollowed out sultanas worked though Piggy and Patch did try to grab some, and a couple of times succeeded, so in anticipation I prepared a couple extra. I'm off - a mossie zzzzzing around my head, so I need to show it the door - lovely photo's, well done you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
superjules Posted July 25, 2008 Share Posted July 25, 2008 Egglou, you could try posting on the pekin bantams website, Jayne at pekin pets is very helpful and also pekinout is very good at spotting the signs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egg Lou Posted July 25, 2008 Author Share Posted July 25, 2008 Thanks Jules I will try them, not too worried at the moment as all secure futures.. just would be nice to know! Ideally 2 + 2 would be nice as although 4 girls would be fabulous I would have to re think whole run regarding room etc as thought I would only be lucky enough to get 2 girls at most Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egg Lou Posted July 25, 2008 Author Share Posted July 25, 2008 Yay, now I've seen the other babies - must confess, my mum and I had a sneaky peeky at Egg Lou's house after Mercedes had hatched, and poor Lou was so worried at the reaction she might get. It's great to see such positive support from the members. They are all little cuties and pleased to see Beanz out and about and happier after her refusal to "un"broody herself, the little minx - she had a cunning plan!Lou - Cheyenne all Flubenveted now, many thanks - the hollowed out sultanas worked though Piggy and Patch did try to grab some, and a couple of times succeeded, so in anticipation I prepared a couple extra. I'm off - a mossie zzzzzing around my head, so I need to show it the door - lovely photo's, well done you. Thank you! As you know I did um and ah as to whether I should post so been really pleased by the support from everyone too! The next 2 popped out after you'd left and Mini arrived about 3 hrs later and was quite a nice surprise Glad worming went well.. told you there is a knack Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nutmeg Posted July 25, 2008 Share Posted July 25, 2008 They are beautiful, especially little Mini Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egg Lou Posted July 25, 2008 Author Share Posted July 25, 2008 They are beautiful, especially little Mini Hi Nutmeg.. nice to see you Yes Mini is our favorite too! she's a real poppet, snuggles in your hand quite happily! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sheilaz Posted July 25, 2008 Share Posted July 25, 2008 It's lovely to hear your story and see the pics. I'm delighted for you, and glad you posted! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egg Lou Posted July 26, 2008 Author Share Posted July 26, 2008 It's lovely to hear your story and see the pics. I'm delighted for you, and glad you posted! Thank you! it means a lot to have the experts support Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moomin Posted July 26, 2008 Share Posted July 26, 2008 I love your chicks they are very cute. I have a 'Skye' too, same colouring but HUGE in comparison!! Good luck hope they turn out to all be girlies. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seagazer Posted July 26, 2008 Share Posted July 26, 2008 Just caught up with this thread - your chicks are gorgeous I'm glad its going so well for you. Keep the photos going. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
