NovaTrek
In the Brooder
- Nov 10, 2024
- 7
- 27
- 41
So I'm having to move and, unfortunately, it's not affordable or practical to take my hens with me. I've got 4 free range layers raised from chicks, and currently they're nearly done molting in preparation for winter, so no worries about last minute molting right when freezing temps arrive. And I need them rehomed ASAP.
I live in the Sunset Valley area of Austin.
Because of their experience with losing flockmembers to raccoons (or frightened by hawks in two instances), they seem likely to handle being separated. Though it'd be amazing if they stick together. Also noting they all have experience growing up with cockerels and their shinanigans, but no chick raising experience.
Just in case they must be separated, I'll list them individually.
As much love and care that I put into these chooks, I won't turn away anyone looking for meat chickens. Ideally I'd rather them remain pets, but this is coming from someone with homemade chicken soup in the fridge. People wanna and gotta eat, let's be real.
I'll update the title and include an update summary post as things change.
I live in the Sunset Valley area of Austin.
Because of their experience with losing flockmembers to raccoons (or frightened by hawks in two instances), they seem likely to handle being separated. Though it'd be amazing if they stick together. Also noting they all have experience growing up with cockerels and their shinanigans, but no chick raising experience.
Just in case they must be separated, I'll list them individually.
- Guinan
: EE-Ameracauna mix. 3 years old, will be 4 in April. Large green eggs. Skittish of physical handling, big and strong compared to the others, but generally trusting of people and will come close for treats. Head hen and the last of my original flock, so she's seen it all. Assertive when needed, but not aggressive. A little slow to react or follow, even for treats, but I guess that's how she's survived the raccoons?? Lazy brooder. Average sounding egg song. No issues pairing with the others.
- Cruella
- Australorp. 3 years old, 4 in June. Regular-small brown eggs. Skittish of physical handling, but a lot easier than Guinan with a firm hold. Generally trusting of people and will come close for treats. Second leading hen, has a shrill bawk with her egg song (you'd swear she's calling for your manager 
), so not suitable for neighbors that might be looking for an excuse to complain. Lazy-ish brooder. Extra assertive when treats are involved. If paired, best suited with Guinan or Dolly. New chicken owners: most of her neck feathers fall off when she's molting, so she looks like a hairless chihuahua and it always looks concerning and she takes the longest to look pretty again, but she's fine.
- Dolly
- EE, 3 years old, 4 in June. Regular green eggs. Skittish of handling, same as Cruella. But gets visibly jealous once she loves you, and she'll get super red and approaches sideways at any chicken in your lap (definitely block her from pecking them, it's one of the rare times she'll assert herself). Her eyes look intense, but she's middle-low ranking in the flock, so fine pairing with the others. Lazy-ish brooder. Average egg song.
- Sunshine
- Buff Orphington. 3 years old, 4 in October. Regular-small brown eggs. Overall easiest to handle and rarely skittish because this breed is generally people-friendly, so definitely ideal for someone looking for an easy lap hen. Not timid, except with Cruella, but not usually assertive. Intense brooder, you will need to pull her off the nest and lock the coop or she'll walk back in without eating or drinking. She's bit me only once while testing her temperament with grabbing eggs, but never broke skin and I've felt worse when she's curiously poking my shirt. If paired, best suited with Guinan or Dolly because she stays out of Cruella's way. Average egg song.
As much love and care that I put into these chooks, I won't turn away anyone looking for meat chickens. Ideally I'd rather them remain pets, but this is coming from someone with homemade chicken soup in the fridge. People wanna and gotta eat, let's be real.
I'll update the title and include an update summary post as things change.
