Laura & CTB Posted August 4, 2006 Author Share Posted August 4, 2006 oh gosh - I'm all excited now, Thanks everyone for your replies. I have just got off the phone with a breeder in Kent who will have some bantams available for me in September - I am going over there next Friday to choose my chicks and she says she will ring them for me so they are MINE She has bantam lavender araucanas, light sussex, wyandottes and a few others I cant remember the names of - I think I've made my mind up - it's definately bantams for me Cant stop smiling Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted August 4, 2006 Share Posted August 4, 2006 Oooo, that sounds lovely Laura. Light sussex.... that's on my wish list, you lucky girl. Have a look at them now and choose some, but it might be worth going back again to see them later and deferring judgement until then - they can look a lot different when they grow up and you might then spot something that you'd rather avoid - just a bit of advice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura & CTB Posted August 4, 2006 Author Share Posted August 4, 2006 you might then spot something that you'd rather avoid - just a bit of advice. Clare -what do you mean please you're starting to scare me Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted August 4, 2006 Share Posted August 4, 2006 Nothing scary (sorry, I should have explained better), just bear in mind that young chicks don't bear much resemblence to the grown up item. How old will they be when you're choosing them? Just go over them carefully, check their feet and legs for any loose scales or sore bits; spread their wings and check the feathers; check their botties for any signs of runny bum and also look in the fluff round their vent and under the wings for any signs of lice. I try to watch them interact with the rest of the flock too, it gives an indication of what thype of bird they are and a chance to pick up on any sneezing or feeding worries. I am sure that they will be lovely, and I am looking forward to seeing photos. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chocchick Posted August 4, 2006 Share Posted August 4, 2006 Exciting news, definately want to see pictures when they arrive Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura & CTB Posted August 4, 2006 Author Share Posted August 4, 2006 Exciting news, definately want to see pictures when they arrive I'm reading the camera instructions already Thanks Clare - I had visions of going back to collect my chooks and finding they'd grown extra toes etc in my absence I think they are at about 8 - 9 weeks at the moment. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chocchick Posted August 4, 2006 Share Posted August 4, 2006 Thanks Clare - I had visions of going back to collect my chooks and finding they'd grown extra toes etc in my absence Actually it is possible for hens to grow a spur, or even for chicks to have extra toes in rare cases, it is on the practical poultry forum I'm sure it's a 1 in a million chance though, so please don't worry Just making you paranoid, sorry , just ignore me Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura & CTB Posted August 4, 2006 Author Share Posted August 4, 2006 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted August 4, 2006 Share Posted August 4, 2006 They are still quite little then, they will look quite different when you pick them up. Can't wait to see the photos Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ali-s Posted August 4, 2006 Share Posted August 4, 2006 [i think they are at about 8 - 9 weeks at the moment. My Bantams Bubbles and Buttercup were 8 weeks old when I bought them last year. They coped getting in and out of the Eglu and the roosting bars without any problems. They were fully feathered and off heat. Will you be bringing them home with you? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura & CTB Posted August 4, 2006 Author Share Posted August 4, 2006 Will you be bringing them home with you? Sadly no - they will have to stay put until I'm back from America - hoping September 28th will be the day!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...