Release....

So I was going to order day old chicks from Miller Hatcheries and having them delivered via Canada Post or picking them up at Peavy Mart or UFA. After a conversation with them we decided to pick them up ourselves. They had 2 weeks old chicks which was the plan when we left. When we got their they had some pullets and cockerels on special. After some discussion I settled on 18 Red Sussex cross pullets born March 10. The two cockerels were thrown in free. I then got 25 broilers. The tally is now:
25 Broilers - to be butchered in June
18 Red Sussex Cross - being kept for eggs (brown)
2 Red Sussex Cross cockerels
9 White Leghorns - being kept for eggs (white)

Ashley was a pro with the little chicks in the house but when the bigger ones were let free...she didn't know what to think. Her reactions were funny. Natasha was excited. The two cockerels are named Noodle (Natashas pick) and Pete (after my great grandmother always saying...for petes sake) I also named my favorite pullet Mabel. To me chickens means Grandma Knapp and while you may think it insulting...I think she would smile. I am sure she is laughing down at her two little chicken farmers. Since then Ashley is at ease and picks up the chickens like a pro...even the roosters. Natasha may get the name the "Rooster Whisperer" because they are so at ease with her.

The broilers and young leghorns were kept apart from the pullets/cockerels in my parents dog kennel. They lasted about a week in there before getting much to crowded at which point I built a fence across the middle. I have to build a roost and laying boxes as the pullets should start laying (small eggs) in the next couple of weeks.