Ten Little Chickens Week 3

The chicks have lost nearly all their fluff. They've almost all got a stubby little tail growing and are showing more of their adult color patterns.  They are still adorable in every way to me, but really don't look a thing like the little fuzzballs we plucked from the feed store earlier this month.

Speaking of the feed store, it was amazing to go in (for more feed- we'd run out) and see the latest shipment of baby chicks in the big metal bins. They were smaller than I remember ours ever being even though some were the same as ours. These day's you couldn't cup your hands around our chicks without someone's feet and head sticking out, but those little babies you could cover entirely with your cupped palms.

We switched homes for them as they have taken to perching atop their feeder even though we've provided perches for them. From there they were trying to take flight across the box. Even from the bottom of the box they were starting to peek over the top at each flight attempt. Luckily we ran across a parrot cage at a yard sale. Fully enclosed and having a good amount of height they now have room to go up without me worrying that someone was going to become Gidget's new toy.

They got their first glimpse of them selves in the new shiny metal water bowl and were not sure what to do about it. Soon enough though they were back to enjoying their water as usual. The cage is only covered at the base up about 6 in or so. They now have a view of the whole house. The dogs, the kids, me coming to check on them, which it turns out they've quickly adapted to. The nerf dart war in the house never even bothered them a bit. Where as sounds from outside their home before would have sent them running.

They've figured out feeding schedules too and are no longer afraid when I come up to the door of their cage to refill their feeder. They all bundle up together in front of the door and keep an eye on my arm as it comes in.

We think we've figured out at least one is a rooster for sure, as it's the only one who even before the move wouldn't run from us first thing. It's always the one to check something out first and tends to keep an eye on everyone else when most are napping.

I'll try to add a few new pictures soon, we may actually get to take them outside some this coming week if the weather cooperates.