For a short while this winter I thought that, for the first time in years, we wouldn’t add any new chicks to the flock this year. With all of the transitions and upheaval, I guess I was thinking that adding some Newbies to the mix might not be the best idea this spring.
Luckily, I was wrong 🙂
Really, is there anything better than new life on a homestead?
Right.
So, in an effort to add in a few brown eggs to our gorgeous blues, greens and (occasional) pinks, we debated between Marans and Speckled Sussex, knowing that we would only be adding a few new chicks to our flock of ten. We finally decided on Marans last weekend and I am just beside myself with excitement about our three new additions.
Marans can be expected to lay 3-4 large, dark brown eggs per week, are heat and cold tolerant with their single combs and do well in smaller spaces. What’s different about Marans in comparison to the other varieties we’ve kept in the past (Easter Eggers, Buff Orpingtons, Black Australorps, and Rhode Island Reds) is that, while they grow fairly large (5-7 pounds), they are not dual purpose birds and are strictly kept for their eggs.
The three Newbies are currently living in a brooder in our Laundry Room and will be moved to their secondary housing (outdoor brooder) once they are fully feathered out.
And now, here for your viewing pleasure, is our little Chicken Whisperer who is more than happy to help me take care of the Newbies and Ladies on a daily basis…Let the cuteness commence!
xoxo,
M
Sprout is growing up way too fast. Such a cutie! The chickens seems to think of her as just part of the flock. I love the new chicks and can’t wait for my little batch in March.
Rachel @ Grow a Good Life recently posted…Planning Your Vegetable Garden: Seed Starting Schedule
Hi Rachel! I am so happy Sprout has decided that the chickens are safe enough to play with (and around) 🙂 I can’t wait to see your newest batch of chicks when they arrive! Such a fun time, isn’t it?