Monday, April 1, 2013

C is for Chicks

I am participating with Ben and Me by blogging through the alphabet. Be sure to visit and check out what everyone came up with for the letter C this week.

I am also linking this to The Homestead Barn Hop.


As a family we started raising chickens almost three years ago. We started with 7 and have gradually grown to 25. Of course there have been others that were harvested along the way for one reason or another. Our primary focus for raising chickens is the eggs. Our chickens currently lay enough eggs for us to eat as a family and two barter with two other families for garden produce. 
One of our hens, Betty, went broody very early this year and wanted to start sitting in February. I held her off for a few weeks then just gave in and let her sit on some eggs. From that came four baby chicks that are now close to three weeks old. These guys are a mixed Buff Orp with Barred Rock. Both very good laying birds. Betty is an excellent mom. It never gets old watching these chicks hatch. Such a miracle! Also watching Betty teaching the babies to eat, drink and search for food.
Waiting for another hen to go broody and we will hatch a few more for this year. We try to add about 4-8 new birds a year to insure lots of eggs. Raising chickens has been a wonderful experience  and we have learned so much. Plus the eggs are very tasty!




4 comments:

Brandi said...

We don't have chickens but I do love fresh eggs. Even ate my first goose egg the other day. :)

Kirsten @ homeschool discoveries said...

The chicks are so cute! I think having chickens would be a fun adventure -- the city we live in allows chickens, and we have a number of neighbors that raise them. I think it's neat to see that even in a big city. Visiting today from the Blogging through the Alphabet linky! :-)

Fran said...

They are so sweet! You cannot beat fresh eggs and I like that your eggs are totally free range and happy chicks xx

Staci@LifeAtCobbleHillFarm said...

Hooray for chicks at last!! They are adorable and I'm so happy to hear Betty is a good mother. Less work for you! :)