A Fox in the Hen House
Foxes and chickens historically do not go together. A fox in the hen house in not a good thing. This is why we traverse the countryside on horseback following a pack of hounds, chasing away the villainous creatures. Yet, here I am, with eleven baby chickens.
This is a new adventure for me. Never have I ever tried my hand at raising young laying hens. I have learned quickly that this is most difficult simple task I have attempted in the urban homesteading adventure. It is not for the faint of heart.
Raising chicks is one big science experiment. There's so many variables to control and manipulate. Is the brooder too hot, too cold, just right? Call me Goldie Bollocks because after a few lives lost, I finally realized my thermostat was broken. Easy fix, but it won't bring back the dead; I've never been much for necromancy.
After realizing my fatal mistake, burring the dead, making necessary adjustments, and going through all steps of the grieving process, I recommitted myself to this journey and ordered some more chicks from Mt Healthy Hatcheries. No, I didn't loose all of the original group. I knew I wanted at least 10 laying hens so that I would be able to enjoy (urban) farm-fresh eggs and so that I may also make a profit off of my ladies too.
When making my chicken selection I did some online research and asked a few friends that kept hens what breeds they liked. I knew I wanted some hardy birds as well as some colored egg layers. Wyandottes and Ameraucanas were where I landed, with the addition of some black sex-links. Off on my chicken journey I went. I soon learned that Wyandottes come in many color varieties. My inner Victorian goth rejoiced when I laid eyes on photos on a Silver Laced Wyandotte. I knew I had to have one of those. Then I saw a red and black laced Wyandotte. In the cart it went.
Here's what my flock is made up of:
- 3 ISA Black Sex Links
- 3 Silver Laced Wyandottes
- 1 Red and Black Laced Wyandottes
- 4 Ameraucanas
That's 11 chickens. Surprise! When you order from an hatchery and have the girls sent to you they'll throw an extra one or two in! Winner, winner chicken....dinner? Don't worry, I'm not going to make one a meat bird.
