Spring Chickens and More Goat Babies!!

A 5:45 AM call, yesterday, to the local Postmaster revealed
that my shipment of 24 Cuckoo Maran chicks had arrived.

I zipped into town and picked up my new charges,
bringing them home to the farm for some TLC.

This batch of chicks is getting every available remedy
to assure that they get off to a good start.

Their temporary home is this large box set in one of the barn stalls.
It has a well fitting wire lid to assure the barn kitties
don't get inside to play.
A heat lamp keeps the chicks toasty warm.
And judging by the fact that they are active and spread out over the entire box,
it is just the right temperature for them.
Otherwise, they would all cluster together to stay warm.

Their water has electrolytes added to it.
I mixed up a batch of hydrating gel for them and fed it to them
on arrival....along with a couple of hard cooked egg yolks.

They have discovered their chick "grower" crumbles and are eating ravenously.

You might notice that all of them are grey and yellow, with the exception of one.

The hatchery has a habit of including an extra "surprise" chick with each order.

My experience tells me that this chick will end up being another rooster.
(which I hardly need!)

Meet Henry and Fifi...

Now I only have to come up with 23 more French names 
for the rest of the gals!

Tres jolie, nes pas

News Flash.....


O'Malley had twins last evening.
First born was a little red girl....


Followed by a little black and white boy...
(of all things!)


Mother and babies are doing great!


Just wait until they discover all of their new playmates.
There's gonna be a wild time in the nursery in a couple of days!

Comments

Anke said…
They are all so cute! It must be so much fun to watch them grow.
Deb said…
Congratulations O'Malley. You did good, girl.
That's one busy bee haven farm!!!...

My chicks coming on the 18th... does your post office actually OPEn at 5:45 am??... I doubt ours does.
Awe your babies are so cute. I just purchased some Maran's this weekend. I have never raised them before. I may have to get a goat to add to our farm. They are adorable......Can't wait to see the photos of them playing with each other... have a great day.
Unknown said…
I've had mine for a couple weeks now. They are in that ugly stage where they are getting their feathers.
What kind are yours? 8>)
Kessie said…
Congrats on the goat! And does that yellow chick have feathers on its feet? It seems to have a poof on its head, like silkie chicks do.
Beautiful babies all around. Looking forward to hearing about the Marans and how you like them-personality and layer wise. I like their lovely dark brown eggs.
Stephane said…
Which hatchery are you using? Ideal won't have Austrolorps until June. I can't wait that long for chicks.
Unknown said…
Oh, the twins are so cute! And so totally opposite!

Thanks for the tut on the baby chicks, I am learning lots!
Ms. Bake-it said…
Oh my goodness! So much cuteness in one post! Congratulations! Henry and Fifi - love it!
Chris said…
Good looking chicks and goats!
Julie Harward said…
You and I have the same heart for animals. These babies are all so darling..I wish I could come sit in the straw with you and hold them and enjoy their sounds and nuzzling too!
We had baby chicks and something dug down and into the coop and pulled each one of them out and killed them. We had everything reforced too..we have lots of wild critters here. I guess I'll just enjoy yours! ;D
Lady Farmer said…
I've been looking for Marans and some other chocolate eggers but they are hard to find ~ even online! Or the price (especially shipping!) is just too much! May I ask what hatchery you got yours from?
There is just notin' cuter than baby animals! The chicks and kids are so sweet!
Lady Farmer said…
I've been looking for Marans and some other chocolate eggers but they are hard to find ~ even online! Or the price (especially shipping!) is just too much! May I ask what hatchery you got yours from?
There is just notin' cuter than baby animals! The chicks and kids are so sweet!
Congratulations! They're all so adorable...how can you possibly get any work done with such cuteness in the barn? ;)
Lisa said…
Such cute goats! Now for French names, hmmmm... how about

-Marie-France
-Magitte
-Philomene
-Simone
-Lise
-Marie-Marthe
I could go on and on...

If you need help just let me know!
Lisa
Anonymous said…
Childhood sometimes does pay a second visit to man; youth never.