How Did This Happen?

As I've said, I've been considering raising chickens for a couple of years now, but I've always managed to talk myself out it. I have no idea what I'm doing, what if I get into it and then find out I can't handle it? Why on earth would I want to claim responsibility for any more living beings than those for which I already provide care?

I've read magazine articles, online articles, and newspaper articles on caring for backyard flocks. I did internet searches looking for specifics, compiled vast amounts of information, and generally scared myself silly with the amount of information there is to know about caring for chickens.

I didn't even have any idea where to buy chicks. I assumed that I'd have to go through a mail-order business; I was definitely leery of having these tiny little things shipped in a box, and hope they would arrive safely.

Then, a friend of ours visited a local farm store and fell in love with the baby chicks. After a few days of consideration, I decided to go, look, and do more research. I was adamant that I was NOT going to buy any chicks until I was confident that I could do this right.

Thirty minutes after entering the store, we were walking out with six baby chicks, bags of feed and bedding, a heat lamp, antibiotics to protect against upper respiratory infections, and feed and water dispensers. We also had plans to return later in the day (when we had more room in the car) to purchase a chicken hutch for when the chicks are a bit bigger.

Regarding the medicine: I am not one to jump on giving animals preventative medicine, just because the salesperson said I should; I have not yet used them, and am unsure whether I will or not.

The chicks we chose included 3 pullets (from a random selection of breeds that could include Isa Browns, Rhode Island Reds, Black Sex Link, or Barred Rocks), and 3 Cornish Rocks (for meat). I still need to do some checking to see if I can determine what breeds the pullets are, or whether I'll have to wait till they're bigger to answer that question.

Upon returning home, we scavenged a large cardboard computer box for a temporary brooder. We lined the bottom with paper, and spread 2 or 3 inches of pine bedding across it. After filling the water and feed dispensers, we transferred the chicks to their new home.

 As it is still rather chilly outside, the brooder is presently sitting in our living room, away from windows and drafts, but in a well-trafficked area, so that I can remember to check on them regularly and keep track of the condition of their bedding, food, and water. Our brooder stand is an old dresser that had the drawers removed; the box sits on top of the dresser, and all the supplies fit neatly underneath to keep it organized.

The dresser is presently located next to a tall set of shelves, onto which we clamped the heat lamp. Originally, the lamp was fairly close to the box; after a few hours, I saw that the chicks were hiding around the edge of the box because it was a little too warm. I began gradually moving the lamp up the shelves to moderate the temperature in the box. Once the chicks were comfortable enough to curl up under the lamp, but not all huddled together, I knew we found the right height for now.

The chicks are a little skittish, but they began adapting to their new home very quickly. The kids are able to pick them up for a few minutes at a time, and they stay fairly calm, albeit a bit adventurous. They seem to enjoy climbing up arms and trying to jump from hands, so the kids are quickly learning to keep a close eye/grip on them.

David and I picked up the chicken hutch from the store, as well as more pine bedding. It's currently sitting outside, while we consider various plans for building an outdoor home for the chicks once they're big enough. One suggestion that we received was that the hutch could be placed in the basement. While I like this idea, I don't think we'll be using it. Our basement stairwell is simply too narrow to easily move the hutch up and down the stairs as needed.

In addition to the chicks, we presently have two dogs and two cats in the home. One of the dogs is a beagle with a very nervous disposition; she has no problem confronting dogs in her territory, but she is terrified of the cats. I don't think she'll have any interest in the chickens, but we'll watch her to see how well she adapts. The other dog is very interested in the chicks, and seems to wonder why we won't let him play with these adorable, fuzzy little squeaky toys. He will definitely bear watching. And the cats will definitely be watched, as I'm sure they would love to try playing with the chicks whenever anyone isn't watching.

To ensure the chicks' safety, especially at night when there's no one to keep an close watch, I re-allocated a metal rack from the oven to place over the box; masking tape holds it in place wonderfully, and will ensure that the cats can't find their way in. I was careful to make sure the tape doesn't have any loose ends that the chicks can chew on. Better safe than sorry. I almost dismissed this idea, as I will not want to use the rack in the oven after this; there's simply too much concern about possible bacteria, etc. However, I realized we almost NEVER use both racks in the oven at the same time, so it would be perfectly fine to just get by with one. If nothing else, I can always find another one later on to replace it.

And thus ended the first day of this wonderful venture. Late in the evening, I went out for a "girls' night out", and returned home after everyone else was in bed. I was absolutely amazed to fully realize: "Holy crap... I have CHICKENS!" I am currently overcome with both awe and sheer terror. So far, the awe is winning. ;)