Are the chicks outside yet?

No not yet. Although the girls are now 3 months old the weather has been mighty cold. With this weeks warm up and the snow melting away it will soon be time. They seem anxious to get out, but may be a bit nervous with all the snow still on the ground...stay tuned!

How are the hens surviving the cold?

The gals are a hardy bunch as all chickens are. They still remain inside the coop and as some say have a "plush" home. We have a solid hen house that protects them from drafts. They are eating we guess about 100 #'s of food a day. Wow!... they tend to eat more in the colder weather as they burn more calories keeping themselves warm. There is still one brooder remaining with lights that helps keep them warm as well. And they huddle together as seen here which produces extra heat. The gals are happy and friendly. They should be going outside soon...so stay tuned.

What's that tune?

We are now in the teenage stage of hen age. We removed one brooder as they are old and big enough to keep warm. Just as most teenagers love music so do our gals. Just whistle and there is silence as they listen attentively to the tune as did our Buff Orpington and Barred Rocks here in the picture.

A kiss good mornnig...

The chicks are officially 2 months old and continue to show off their personalities, from playing chase with a piece of string or a quick kiss good morning as in the picture. The girls love to greet you at the door and are happy and content on these crisp January mornings. We are still some months away before they start laying, but the way the year is going, it will be here before we know it.

Although our girls aren't laying yet, their neighboring flock, the Dea Dia Organic hens are laying; their eggs are sold in the Long Barn here at the farm.

Adopt a Hen/Chick...

We have for adoption a leghorn that didn't meet her fate last fall. She is destined to live on, but we are unable to keep her any longer with our current flock. She is nearly 2 years old is a bit fiesty and seems to be laying an egg every so often.

We also have for adoption a chick that is nearly 2 months old. She is adorable and very sweet but has twisted legs. She is still pretty tiny and we are nervous the other hens will begin picking on her.

If anyone is interested in either one of these please contact Dorie at droth@prairiecrossing.com.

Thank you!

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year on this beautiful day! We are getting a taste or should we say a teaser of the days to come as the doors are propped open and we are enjoying a fresh breeze here at the farm. Our plans for the New Year are to explore the outdoors; eat some fresh worms and insects as well as begin laying eggs for everyone's enjoyment. Stay tuned to all our 2011 adventures here at Prairie Crossing Farm. Chirp, chirp...the Prairie Chicks.

Happy Holidays from the Prairie Chicks

The chicks were chirping loudly this morning and wishing Happy Holidays to all!

They are growing up...

The chicks will soon be 2 months old and are thriving in their home here at the Learning Farm. They are now big enough to eat out of the troughs and are drinking from the automatic waterer. This is huge for us Chick Checkers as we don't have to worry about frost bite on our hands from changing the water in these frigid temperatures. The warm sun makes their home nice and bright and keeps it nice and toasty.

They love their morning and afternoon visits and always turn their heads chriping "Hi" when you enter their home.

Barred Rock vs. Black Australorp

Barred Rock vs. Black Australorp - looking back a few weeks ago it was hard to tell which breed was which - can you tell the difference now? Hint: Barred Rocks have stripes.

The Gals at 1 Month

Check these girls out. It has only been a month and they are huge. It is so easy now to tell the Barred Rocks from the Australorops as their stripes are becoming more prominent. The are full of energy bopping around from here to there and are finding that it is nice to roost. Oh they are quite playful as you'll see them pecking at the shoe laces, one of their favorite things to do.

Chicks 2nd week on the farm

As you can see they have grown in just one week. They now have full run of the henhouse and truly enjoy exploring their new home as well as anyone that is in for a visit. They love to peck at shoes and play with shoe strings. At times you will even see them playing chase or tag with each other.

About Buff Orpingtons

These hens were introduced in the late 1800's from England. Known as "Golden Beauties" they make good mothers and settlers and are great winter layers.

About Rhode Island Reds

One of the most famous and popular breeds that are truly American Chickens. They are nice hens that have outstanind production qualities of brown eggs.

About Black Australorp's

This breed originated in Australia from the England Black Orpingtons. Introduced in America in the 1920's they are a popular and one of the best layers of light brown eggs of all the heavy breeds. They are quiet and gentle.

About Barred Rocks

These hens were developed in New England in the 1800's by crossing Dominiques and Black Javas. They are productive layers of brown eggs and will not be discourged in our Midwest winters. They are a steady and reliable breed.

The Chicks in their New Home

Here is a sneak peek of the chicks first week on the farm. We will post more as they grow and they sure do grow fast.