Thanks to Samantha next door six more beautifuls chicks arrived on the night of 28th October, almost 24 hours early!! What a lovely surprise! The eggs were put under her 6pm 8/10, which would have made them due 6pm onwards on the 29th. Interesting. 2nd lot that has been early.
Unfortunately due to space restrictions had to remove chicks from Samantha so she can continue her journey as a isa brown laying hen!! Haven't seen this breed go clucky before, it was gorgeous to watch, and sad to take the chicks from her.
Over the last few days have carefully put them under bantams Fraser and Rosie. Started by putting two chicks under Fraser when they were four days old. The age difference between these two and Fraser's two is 15 days, so it's great that it was successful. Then put two under Rosie. Age difference between these chicks is 7 days. This is her first year as a mother, so was a bit worried, but all was fine. Followed by one more each under each bantam. Observed that single chick that went into Fraser's pen was a little "lonely" looking for first 24 hours, then she was fine.
Also trying to learn to tell what sex chicks are. Sooo hard, but think that a chick with light black markings on it's head that has gone into Rosie's pen is a rooster. Goodness me, total is 10, more due Saturday - wonder if they will come early?
The buff hen and rooster are orpingtons. The owner of these birds may swap two of her birds with two of mine, so that would be good. I want to improve my colour and size. The white silkie just had to have his photo taken too, just because!!
The two new buff pekins, and the new black one. She is very camera shy!! Estimate the black to be around 8-9 months, and the buff pair about 7 months. They're fun and cheeky!
Hard to tell their size. Rosie at front gives a bit of an indication.
A recent photo of George, Jan 2011. He has grown into a beautiful rooster!
With all the rain we've had, it's hard to get a good picture of any of the chooks. This is one of the younger hens, she is about 9 weeks old here. She has just gone to a new home!
They're capturing my heart. Might have to start begging for another chook pen.Cosy. As Dad said, that laying box looks quite big until those 10 chicks squeeze in there!! Will take another photo of night time happenings in a few weeks!
Weeeeeeee!
Gosh they're cute!
Hubby built this yesterday!! 
Their "Mum" is Fraser, she is the best pekin Mum I've got. Can do anything with her and she just trusts me, doesn't ever peck. Lovely hen.
