Chicks at My Farm

February 9, 2022

It’s always so exciting when we have babies at the farm - this time, fluffy, little chicks.

Last month, I attended the 2022 Northeastern Poultry Congress - a poultry show held every year in Springfield, Massachusetts. The event features more than 2500 birds, including large fowl, waterfowl, turkeys, pigeons, Guineas, and of course, a variety of wonderful breed chickens. While there, I purchased 18 chickens and 46 Silkie eggs. So far, 11 healthy chicks have hatched - all in special incubators set up in my Stable feed room.

Enjoy these photos.

: Down at the stable, we set up our incubating and hatching equipment from GQF Manufacturing, Inc. in Savannah, Georgia – a company that specializes in game bird and poultry supplies. There are several crucial conditions needed for proper embryo development in all birds. These factors include: proper temperature, controlled humidity, and sufficient air circulation.

: The eggs are placed into the incubator where they are safe from other birds and closely monitored until they hatch. Chicken eggs take 21-days. While the eggs incubate, they are automatically turned once a day, 45-degrees each way, back and forth during this period.

: From days 17 to 21, they’re placed into the hatching cabinet, where it is still warm. Each egg has its own section, where it safe and cannot roll during the hatching process.

: Meanwhile, my stable manager, Helen, who is also very experienced in raising chickens, sets up my large antique bird cage for all the chicks.

: A heat lamp is placed into the cage to keep it warm.

: Towels are used to line the floor – this will provide good footing for the babies. The chicks are fed organic chick starter for the first six to eight weeks.

: And fresh, clean water is always provided. In fact, every chick is personally shown where their food and water sources are, so they know where to find it.

: Here is a close look at one of the peeps just starting to break through its shell.

: The next day, the first of 11 peeps emerges – it’s nothing short of adorable.

: Now, we currently have 11-chicks doing excellently in their enclosure.

: They are all up and about and playing and interacting with each other. They also peck at each other playfully.

: There are eight Silkie color varieties accepted by the American Poultry Association. They include black, blue, buff, gray, partridge, splash, and white.

: Baby chicks need constant monitoring until they are at least a month old. Here in the Stable feed room, they are checked several times a day. This room is also free from drafts. Chicks require an air temperature of 95 degrees during the first week, 90 degrees the second week, and so on – going down by around five degrees per week until they’re ready to transition to the coop.

: These chicks hatched within hours of each other, which is good, so they are not lonely.

: All these chicks have clear eyes and are very alert – signs of good health.

: Here is one of the black Silkie chicks – notice, Silkies have black eyes. The buff Silkie on the right is falling asleep.

: It is always nice to see such a strong and energetic group of babies. Silkies grow a bit more slowly than other breeds. They are also slower to mature. Silkie hens start laying at approximately seven to nine months of age.

: Remember these adolescent Silkies I brought home from the same show? These four are doing very well.

: If you’re unfamiliar with Silkies, they were originally bred in China. Underneath all that feathering, they have black skin and bones and five toes instead of the typical four on each foot. Silkie chickens are known for their characteristically fluffy plumage said to feel silk- or satin-like to the touch.

: Silkies are also adaptable, playful, and friendly. And, they are naturally more calm than most other breeds.

: I wonder what their conversations are like. In general, chickens are quite vocal. They make around 30 different calls to communicate with each other, expressing everything from “I am hungry” to “there’s a predator nearby.”