Catherinemae86
In the Brooder
Hi everyone,
One of the neighborhood chickens recently hatched 3 adorable baby chicks! While I am thrilled, I am also worried. It is winter, the main rooster was stolen and she is in a field that is not near where the remaining flock hang out (front of my house versus back).
I live in Houston, TX so it's not that cold although I hear an arctic blast is coming. I'm more concerned with her and predators. Considering she is semi-feral (she will come to me and my yard but no one else), does anyone have any recommendations on how best to support her? She is one of the more skittish birds and probably moreso now with babies. I was able to sit next to them yesterday afternoon when I found them and could probably manage to catch them if I knew the best way to setup them up with some sort of brooder. I've read various posts about needing very little space and primarily protection from predators but does this apply to a flock of feral chickens who have never been restricted to a cage? Should I leave them be?
I am desperately working on trying to find a place to buy and take all the remaining flock with me so no jerks can steal my precious roosters again, but until then all I can do is try and keep them safe!
Photo for cuteness - 3 babies and all different colors!
One of the neighborhood chickens recently hatched 3 adorable baby chicks! While I am thrilled, I am also worried. It is winter, the main rooster was stolen and she is in a field that is not near where the remaining flock hang out (front of my house versus back).
I live in Houston, TX so it's not that cold although I hear an arctic blast is coming. I'm more concerned with her and predators. Considering she is semi-feral (she will come to me and my yard but no one else), does anyone have any recommendations on how best to support her? She is one of the more skittish birds and probably moreso now with babies. I was able to sit next to them yesterday afternoon when I found them and could probably manage to catch them if I knew the best way to setup them up with some sort of brooder. I've read various posts about needing very little space and primarily protection from predators but does this apply to a flock of feral chickens who have never been restricted to a cage? Should I leave them be?
I am desperately working on trying to find a place to buy and take all the remaining flock with me so no jerks can steal my precious roosters again, but until then all I can do is try and keep them safe!
Photo for cuteness - 3 babies and all different colors!