Flock Focus Friday, 12/6/13

Dank. That’s was this week in a word. The temperatures were relatively mild, so the flockers took advantage of the opportunity to be outside despite the fog, drizzle, wind and ubiquitous grayness. The challenge this week was to figure out what to do about the one Black Copper Marans chick that hatched Thanksgiving night whom I named Kris Kringle. For once I was without a broody hen to rely on to raise it. The chick seemed content underneath its EcoGlow brooder, but I know that it needs other chickens to thrive and that raising it alone inside the house could result in major problems come time to integrate it into the flock. So…I threw up a Hail Mary pass to Freida.

Freida, my White Silkie and Flock matriarch, was perfectly happy to be roosting with the rest of the ladies when I plucked her from the roost and introduced her to Kris Kringle.

An awkward moment or two of staring at one another quickly evolved into acceptance and the beginning of a mother-chick relationship. Freida’s the best.

Sparky (Black Copper Marans cockerel) is in fine form, vying for the Sexiest Rooster Alive title.

Lola (Columbian Wyandotte hen) was significantly less enthusiastic about being photographed this week as she trudges through a most hideous molt.

Kate (Speckled Sussex) is always up in my business until she can determine whether I’ve brought treats for her or not.

Rachel (Bantam Cochin Frizzle) and Blaze (Black Copper Marans rooster in back)

Thanks for joining me and have a great weekend!

Kathy Shea Mormino

Affectionately known internationally as The Chicken Chick®, Kathy Shea Mormino shares a fun-loving, informative style to raising backyard chickens. …Read on

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Dank. That’s was this week in a word. The temperatures were relatively mild, so the flockers took advantage of the opportunity to be outside despite the fog, drizzle, wind and ubiquitous grayness. The challenge this week was to figure out what to do about the one Black Copper Marans chick that hatched Thanksgiving night whom I named Kris Kringle. For once I was without a broody hen to rely on to raise it. The chick seemed content underneath its EcoGlow brooder, but I know that it needs other chickens to thrive and that raising it alone inside the house could result in major problems come time to integrate it into the flock. So…I threw up a Hail Mary pass to Freida.

Freida, my White Silkie and Flock matriarch, was perfectly happy to be roosting with the rest of the ladies when I plucked her from the roost and introduced her to Kris Kringle.