The big question when raising chicks is always: will they be hens or roosters? While I am no expert, I'm thrilled to report that judging by their plumage, both of my young chicks are looking like hens. Their feathers are a identical to their mother's. This is exactly the outcome I was hoping for when I started this incubator journey.
The next step is introducing these 7- and 8-week-olds to the main flock. I haven't figured out what to do yet so wish me luck with the integration process.
This year has reminded me of the realities of keeping chickens. I have sadly lost five members of my flock due to old age and sickness (4 hens and 1 rooster). Replenishing our numbers is a top priority, so the incubator will be getting more use soon.
Chick Diaries: Nature vs. Nurture
It's fascinating to see how different upbringings affect the chicks. The one raised in the incubator, fed on dry chick feed, turns its beak up at the 'wet' food the adults love. Meanwhile, the chick raised by a mother hen can't get enough of it! It just goes to show how early habits are formed.
A simple upgrade that has brought them a lot of joy: a pile of sand from my compost. They have been having a wonderful time dust bathing, scratching and playing in their new "sandbox."
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