Chicks at 2 Weeks

They're getting their feathers and wings now.  Two of them have very defined tail feathers already and we're assuming those will be our roosters.  They're spending their first day outside on the grass and getting some sunshine (which they do their best to avoid).   Notice the longer tail on the bird in front as compared to the other two.

If 2 out of the 6 turn out to be boys, then we've beat the odds and we'll be happy.  We'll try and sell them once we're certain of their sex and they're old enough to go.   We have one rooster and that's enough.

I have them in a secure box right outside my office window so I can be on the lookout for the neighborhood cats.  Pip (my 7 month old Border Collie) was fascinated watching them.

"Don't bother me now, mom, I gotta watch in case they need herded."

Just a couple more new baby pics

They're just so darn cute.  Three days old now.

Black and gold - Steeler chicks!!

This one has black stripes down its back. 

One Day Old

We ended the day yesterday with 6 chicks - 4 yellow and 2 black.  Three other eggs had pipped and I could see that one bird was breathing and trying to get out, but nothing yet.  I'm afraid it won't make it.  You can't help the bird while it's trying to get out.  If it's not strong enough to break through the shell, it won't be strong enough to survive outside.  There's no NICU for chickens.

These babies have moved from the incubator to their first home in an aquarium.  They'll live in our guest bathroom for a couple of months or until my house smells too much like the barn.  Then it's moving day!