Baby Chicks!

Baby Chicks – 
Coming to the Learning Farm!

by Sharon Gaughan, PCLF Education Program Director

This afternoon I ordered 100 baby chicks of six heritage chicken breeds for the Prairie Crossing Learning Farm!  I’ve been reading and researching and planning for this for what seems like a very long time.  I’ve gathered a ton of information, as well as most of the necessary equipment and supplies – but somehow actually making the order today was very nerve-racking for me.

Am I really prepared to raise these babies?  I helped out 2½ years ago, when we started our last flock from 1-day-old chicks – but I was only one of several farm staff that checked on them daily, to make sure they had enough food and water – and once I helped clean up some of the chicks that had paste-y butt (yes, that’s exactly what it sounds like!).  But I was not the person responsible that time, I was just helping out.  Now I am the one responsible, and the idea makes me more than a little nervous.

But it also makes me incredibly excited!  We are going to have chicks on the Learning Farm soon – and I’m going to be up to my ears in fluffy, tumbling, peeping baby chickens!  Yes, I’m nervous – as any “new parent” would be – but I can’t wait!

Be sure to check this hen blog regularly for chick updates and photos!