After one brief mention at the beginning of March, I’ve failed to revisit the current baby chicken saga, or introduce you to the new newcomers.
With increasing fears that the Ameraucana chick might be the bossiest baby rooster we’d ever encountered (and unfortunately, we’ve had past experience with baby roosters), I decided to buy “back-up” chickens.
On March 8th, I brought home two baby Rhode Island Reds and a baby Gold Sexlink. Sadly, one of the Reds died mysteriously a few days later.
So now, a month later, we have four rambunctious chicks in various stages of development. They don’t get along, so we have twice the work of cleaning cardboard-box-brooders. Egad.
Aside from their chronic intestinal problems (the vet says they have yeast overgrowths–rabbit yeast, no less), they’re an awfully cute and lovable bunch. So far, the prescribed daily dose of apple cider vinegar in their drinking water does not seem to be making things better.
But, without further complaints, allow me to introduce…
Though of course it’s not fair to make grand statements about chicken breeds’ personalities based on a few individuals. It’s really striking how different these girls are from each other and from the older outside chickens. Bell and Fifi are the snuggliest chickens I’ve ever seen, and seem almost more like dogs in many ways. Mavis and Mattie, for their part, remind me more of our Barred Rock. They are thoroughly indignant and affronted by snuggles or neck scratches of any kind.
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