4m x 3m Omlet pen, cube, new auto door still boxed and coop light

[Janty]

I am new to this chick rearing lark and it's been really interesting seeing the changes in feather colours over the past 9 days. Thankfully my little Chipolata (mustn't have favourites ) is just the same as ever.

 

I was wondering at what age the chicks will have their final feather colours.

 

Thanks,

 

Jan

Edited January 20, 2009 by Guest

[Egluntyne]

Around six weeks-ish. When I got my Fenton Blues they were 7-8 weeks old and were the colour they are now.

[moomin]

How will you manage to part with them, Janty? I would want to keep all of them!!

[The Dogmother]

Don't forget that their colour will fade through the year until they moult in the autumn, when they will get a brand spanking new winter collection.

[Janty]

How will you manage to part with them, Janty? I would want to keep all of them!!

 

I WILL manage to part with them because we have lots of chickens already.

 

Does that sound convincing enough?

 

I really only want to keep two or three as I have plenty of girls and although we have accomodation for more, I want to reduce the size of the flock if anything. Sounds daft but they are not getting as much individual attention as I'd like them to.

 

 

I have already turned down the free offer of rehoming six pekins and an ornamental pheasant?!! from breeders who I have bought girls from in the past. I am handling the chicks regularly but my extra favourite sweeties are getting more attention so that they will be extra tame.

 

 

At work they have bets going as to how many I won't be able to part with but I am going to surprise them all. I'm a good girl I am!

 

I have a lovely home lined up for two of them at a friend's house in Norfolk (trying to persuade them to join the forum). They hatched their bantams a year or so ago and the little monsters are free-loading . They would love a couple of the girls as they would like to get some eggs for a change. I also know that they have a massive run which they are converting at the moment for the introductions.

 

Twelve of them are then going to free range heaven to live with four other hybrids and some ducks. They will have a big enclosure and a brick goat shed to sleep in. I know that they will enjoy roaming round the field with the others.

 

All chicks are doing well. They are huge compared to when we got them and so feisty. It is lovely watching their colours change. It's especially fascinating watching the blonde girls turn dark. They still have their bright yellow heads but their wing feathers have really blackened. It started with black wing tips and progressed from there. It will be interesting to see what breeds they end up as.

[HENthusiastic]

Pictures please Janty??

[Janty]

Will do.

 

[HENthusiastic]

Thanks

[Janty]

First of all my little favourite, Chipolata...

 

 

 

...and her are some general photos of girls that I haven't given names to...

 

 

 

They are sweet. I was adamant that a bluebell (I'm sure that's what the blue one is but any other suggestions would be welcome) wasn't staying but I'm not so sure now.

[Janty]

This might be a clearer photo of the last two...

 

[Cooks]

I dont know what they are but I am

[surferdog]

They are beautiful! Especially love the little dark one in the last photo - perfect little hen but in miniature

[Cooks]

I like the little one next to the 'bluebelle' with the yelloy feathering

[Janty]

The little dark one is another of my favs...may have to call her Cumberland .

[Janty]

I like the little one next to the 'bluebelle' with the yelloy feathering

 

She was bright yellow all over ten days ago.

[The Dogmother]

The one on the left looks like a barnevelder to me.... identical to one that I hatched

 

They've got big Jan!

[Janty]

Come on gang...what about compliments for my little 'Ugly Duckling', Chipolata?

Is she not adorable in her own little way?

 

[Janty]

The one on the left looks like a barnevelder to me.... identical to one that I hatched

 

They've got big Jan!

 

I know. They eat constantly, bless them. I think they are enjoying life in the conservatory a bit too much! We have the air conditioning on to regulate the temperature and that's getting rid of most of the dust but it is a good job that hubby doesn't mind. If it was a warmer time of year I would put them into the polytunnel now but it's far too cold.

[The Dogmother]

Come on gang...what about compliments for my little 'Ugly Duckling', Chipolata?

Is she not adorable in her own little way?

 

 

Sorry Jan, but she looks like an emu

[Janty]

Come on gang...what about compliments for my little 'Ugly Duckling', Chipolata?

Is she not adorable in her own little way?

 

 

Sorry Jan, but she looks like an emu

 

I know.

 

 

But there's just something about her.

[emily95]

And what's wrong with emus ????

I think she's gorgeous in her own little way

Emily

xxx

[Janty]

Thank you.

 

[craftyhunnypie]

I love Chipolata - she seems that extra bit special! Very cute!

 

Emma.x

[The Dogmother]

Are we sure that the wee sausage is a girl? There's something about that posture....

 

They are very young and I may well be wrong though.

[Janty]

Are we sure that the wee sausage is a girl? There's something about that posture....

 

They are very young and I may well be wrong though.

 

It's funny you should say that. Hubby and I had the same conversation last week.

 

I did have a plan with the butcher that he was going to help me do the deed with any that were boys. He is also going to show me and my vile child how to dress them. However, none of us want to eat Chips. Therefore, I am going to ask a friend who has a farm if Chips could live there if she turns out to be a he.

 

 

Told you that it was wrong to have favourites.

 

Fingers crossed that it's a girl.