Two Newbies

The two new babies.

After the loss of Marigold and Eartha, we decided that five chickens were not enough. The flock was too small. We started hunting on Craigslist for new chicks and found someone willing to drive out to us and deliver them. We chose a New Hampshire and Silver Laced Wyandotte named Prudence and Agatha respectively. Their owner was almost reluctant to lose them, but said she was confident they'd enjoy their new home. Both chicks were very friendly from the start. They enjoyed snuggling and were not afraid of us. This was likely due to their previous owner, who appeared to care for them very much.

Prudence next to a strikingly similar Penelope.

As the bigger chickens can not be trusted to handle newcomers warmly, we had to keep the chicks inside for awhile. They lived in a large bin with a wire top until they outgrew the bin and were moved to a kennel designed for large dogs. Just recently we moved them outside. There is an older, small coop and run that came from a store within the run of the big coop we practically built ourselves. They sleep and eat in there, still sectioned off from the larger hens. During the day they have free range of the garden where they enjoy numerous dust baths.

Agatha a little too close for comfort.

They seem to be bigger every week and are growing very quickly. Prudence will hopefully become more red, as she resembles the yellow Penelope now. Agatha's lacing became apparent very quickly and within a molt or two, she should be a beautiful chicken. Both of them had individual personalities that became obvious very fast. Prudence is the nicer and sweeter one- while Agatha is very independent. She wasted no time in staring down Penelope, earning herself a few pecks. Even though she stands up to the big chickens, Prudence always appears to win their play fights. None of the older girls seem to be impressed with the chicks antics and Ester and Ethel will chase them on occasion.

Prudence falling asleep, as chicks often do.

They will be very beautiful birds very soon.