I've found that the best way to make something happen is to put the cart before the horse. When I used to smoke, the best way to make the waitress come was to light a cigarette. What's the best way to get the chicken coop project under way? Order the chickens! So that's what I did this morning.The week of April 14 I will get a call from the post office in town to let me know that my baby chicks from McMurray Hatchery have arrived. Here's what I ordered (minimum order of 25 chicks):
- 13 Buff Orpingtons
- 7 Black Australorps
- 5 Barred Rocks
- 1 mystery chick*
All three breeds are reputed to have gentle and calm dispositions, with the Barred Rocks being on the intelligent side. I chose heavy breeds because we have cold winters here in NW Ohio. I also wanted dual-purpose chickens that would be good layers (Black Australorps being the best of the breeds I chose) and good fryers.
Our biggest challenge is going to be keeping my cousins' dogs from trying to kill them. I plan to give them plenty of advance notice that there will be chickens out and about. Even though we are constructing a fenced run for them, I still want to be able to let them free range as much as possible during the warm months. It makes for healthier birds and tastier eggs. I'm already annoyed with my cousin's black lab as she comes over to our yard to poo. I've even found dog piles in my mulched beds. I hate to ask them to keep her confined to her kennel since this is the country, and they are my cousins. Yet I feel it is my right to have a poo-free yard and free-ranging chickens to boot. I thought I left problems like this behind when I left the city!
At any rate, we are all excited about the impending arrival of 25 chicks (plus one mystery!) next month. I can already hear the Peep! Peep! Peeping of fuzzy babies and the pitter-patter of tiny orange feet in the brooding box. You can be sure that pictures of said chicks and chicken coop project will be posted!
*Mystery chick is a freebie the hatchery throws in for fun. They place a chick from a rare breed in your order and you get to find out what it is when it's all grown up. Fun huh?
I love your blog! I can't stop reading it. I did the same thing as you. I have 25 ornamental layers plus 5 Cuckoo Marans (and the free rare rooster) coming from McMurray on about April 7. I too have some work to do in the coop before they arrive. I definitely put the horse before the cart. I am looking forward to seeing your chicks and any progress with your cousin's dog.
ReplyDeleteI was very tempted by the ornamental layer collection too Don! And I would love to see the dark brown eggs Marans lay. We will have to compare notes as our chicks progress. Maybe we can help each other learn from our experiences. I think it's going to be a lot of fun!
ReplyDeleteOur family ordered a bunch of chicks, too! They're coming Monday and I can't wait!! We mostly ordered ornamental breeds, but not the collection. I hope your chicks are doing well!
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