Chicks in summer

A month ago the family made the drive east of the city to Hammond and brought home with us six small cute and fuzzy chicks.

We picked out a pair of black silkies, a trio of black english game chicks and one beautiful belgian d'uccle bantam chick.

Sadly, one of the game chicks failed to thrive and within a few days it was obvious it was not going to make it. We do not know why. She was just small. Had no energy even with an intervention of vitamin drops. She passed away quietly in the hands of my husband and was buried that day.

The remaining five are growing quickly and we are enjoying every moment of their time with us. I have my suspicions that one of the silkies and one of the game birds are in fact roos in disguise but time will ultimately confirm that and if so then I will seek options into rehoming or processing them.

The coop building had been put on hold but we are now re-starting the construction and making some small changes our original design.

Meanwhile the chicks are feathering in. Its amazing how quickly their natural instincts to roost and scratch for feed kick in.

It is a joy to watch them run around the yard chasing ants and moths. They jump about, emit soft happy trills and when they find a warm patch in the dirt all lay down in unison, wings spread and close their eyes for a quick chicken nap. We are all enjoying our summer days. Life is good!

I will post some photos soon of our newest additions.

Meanwhile, I still urge everyone who wants to help bring urban hens back to the city to write their local paper, their city councillor or join CLUCK to help us with public education and within the scope of the urban hen policy writing team and Justfood.

Councillors here! http://www.ottawa.ca/city_hall/mayor_council/councillors/index_en.html