Growing

Remember my post a month and a half ago about our new arrivals? I knew they had grown a whole lot since then, but it really is striking to compare pictures. In fact, it's hard to believe they're even the same birds! Here is what they look like now--mostly finished with their ugly phase, but not yet to the mature hen stage.

No longer are they the timid, sleepy little things they once were, that's for sure! They know what they want now and aren't afraid to make their opinions known. I have the feeling they are getting antsy for a real chicken coop (we're working on it!). They are also great bug catchers already, which was such a fun realization for me. Early on, a cricket wandered into their cage and other than a moment's puzzlement, they didn't pay it any attention. Now, however, when we catch bugs and drop them in, the response is instantaneous.

It's also fun to compare pictures of our Wyandotte, as her markings are the ones that have changed so drastically over the past several weeks. She's going to be a beauty.

I also thought I'd mention the book that has helped us a lot in our preparation to raise chickens...

And the book that continues to inform our novice attempts to build the kind of chicken coop we want, within our price range...



We've learned valuable information from both books and feel much more informed and prepared. Considering we started all this pretty ignorant, that's saying something! Of course, we have also asked many experienced people questions on both topics. That's one thing I'm good at: asking questions. And I'm sure I will continue to have many more as we continue this "backyard chicken" journey...