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Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Arrivals

Besides taking photos of lots of cute 'kids' at the Fur and Feathers sale over the weekend, 
I also came home with some new additions to the Rural Roost.
These two chicks, guaranteed to be future pullets, are a breed called Harco. I've never heard of this breed and I couldn't find much out about them as I quickly googled them on the spot, but I was keen on the idea of bringing home some guaranteed layers. They're quite docile, and don't mind being held, so long as they can perch on you with their wings free. I'm curious to see them grow and watch how they change into hens.
From left to right, the breeds in this photo are Cochin, two Ameraucana, two white Chantecler and a Barred Rock

I had no intention of bringing home a Cochin, but the more I've read about them, I'm glad I did, as they're considered one of the most docile breeds. For those of you familiar with Ameraucana you'll know why I'm hoping these are both females. For those who don't, Mom, just think of Dr Seuss and Green Eggs and Ham. Neither the Artist or I could turn down raising white Chanteclers, the original version of our Partridge gang. And lastly, the Barred Rock. I purchased her from a different vendor and it turns out she had a bad case of pasting. We're keeping a close eye on her, and lesson learned....always check chicken bums at time of purchase. I had hoped to pick up more Barred Rocks as I've been so impressed with the egg laying capacity and sweet temperament of our own bantam version.

And speaking of our banty hen, she's grown a twin. Ha! Not quite, but it broke our hearts to see our Pippy Shortbottom lose her brother and sisters last summer. We've talked all winter about how nice it would be for to have someone her own size to hang out with. She has fared fine, despite our concern; Eli took her under his wing and she has been quite content to stay near him, so long as he isn't gallivanting off to the cornfield for the afternoon or doing things that, ahem, roosters do. Nonetheless when we looked down to see her twin right before us, we knew we had to bring her home. She's just a few months younger than Pippy, this girl the Twins named Squeak to go with our Pip, and as I closed up the roost her second night home, I found her nestled in Pippy's favourite nighttime perch, with Pip right at her side. 
And while I love all our chicks, young and old, it's this trio that has me all giddy. I wanted to bring home one, the Artist thought two would be better, and these three were all that were left. I think there's plenty of room in our pond for three! 
My mom, never one to miss a trick, noticed the duckling photo in my header on Monday. By late morning, I received an email titled 'Quackers?' Inside read, "Did you get a duckling!!!???!!!"  Even in my forties, I still can't pass the wool over my mom's eyes. Yes, Mom, three bags full, of Rouen ducklings. The perfect addition to our little farm. 

~Be well friends

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13 comments:

Jessica said...

Oh, I love your feathered family! The ducklings are so adorable! Chickens are always fun, too, of course. :)

Sukhmandir Kaur said...

I love baby chicks and hens. Pasting, hmmm I had a baby chick who crusted over once i had to stick his rear under the faucet and I thought he'd never stop, I had to hand feed him for about a week to save his life. He grew up to be a feisty white rooster, attacked me and scarred my ankle for well over a year. My (adult) kids just got a new brood duckies and turkey chick, many of the same varieties you have.

Unknown said...

wow! i love chickens..;) these cute little chicks are so adorable..


Happy Wordless Wednesday! My entry is here.

Sommerfugl Design said...

Oh my goodness so much cuteness! We recently moved into a house with a yard and got permission to have some chickens. We are waiting until next year, but I can't wait!

TexWisGirl said...

precious! i hope they all do well.

Judy said...

Awe, look at them, so cute! I too hope they do well.

Stacy Uncorked said...

All of your new feathered family members are adorable! And I love that you still can't pull the wool over your mom's eyes. ;)

WW: Dreaming of Big Fox Ears

Natashalh said...

Fantastic photos!

Anke said...

LOVE all the baby chicks you brought home! We got 4 chicks about two month ago, and if it was up to me, I'd already add a few more. ;-) Hubby is not on board with this (yet)...

Buttons Thoughts said...

Oh Andrea I wish I was at your house the Harco's look very royal especially the one standing tall.
Barred Rock have always been my favourite we always had great luck with them.
Oh I have to say the ducklings are the critters I miss having the most they always made me happy. My Mom always had ducks when we were kids and the Glimmer twins will grow to want them as adults now too, they are hooked for life. It is May and I am heading up your way sometime near the end:) Hugs B

Michelle said...

Looking forward to seeing more photos of your flock's progress! I love chickens and miss having them on our farm.

Lynne said...

I do love the baby chicks but some magic is happening to see those baby ducklings cuddled up next to you . . . very soft and gentle . . . a real you . . .

Candy C. said...

What a bunch of cuties you have added to the farm! It is neat to see Pip and Squeak buddying up so nicely too! :)