Chicks, Chicks, Chickens!

Day one in their new home.

The girls have arrived!

They've been here for a week and we're having a blast with them.  We ordered six, but seven arrived.  She is a mystery -- not sure what breed she is.

In any event, she joins her sisters -- Buff Orpington, Blue Laced Red Wyandotte, and Barred Rock.  

Regardless of breed, just hoping SHE is a SHE!

Thus far our adventure has been eye-opening.  What we've learned so far:

1. Chickens are messy.  Wowza...I thought kids were tough to keep clean?  Kids have nothing on these chickens!  No sooner do they have fresh water than BAM, full of pine shavings!!!
2. Chicks fall asleep.  Fast.  Super Fast.  One second they're drinking water and the next they're face down in a pile of pine!
3. They need more room than you think they will ever need.  Yeah, that little brooder won't last long!  Two weeks in and hubby is off to build a larger one this weekend.
4. They have personalities!  We have the laid back chick, the bully, and the gal who just wants to lay under the heat lamp and get some rest.  Sometimes I think she looks like she is waiting for her cocktails to arrive!  
5. Love.  Yup. We're crazy about them.  In fact, even my reluctant husband has been caught fussing over them.

Chicken run is in place, the coop has been ordered, and plans are afoot for a larger brooder in the meantime.  I'd say things are running smoothly.

If anyone has questions about what to get me for Christmas, here's a hint.
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“Alvin smiled back, and kissed her. "People talk about fools counting chickens before they hatch. That's nothing. We name them.”   - Orson Scott Card, Alvin Journeyman