It’s an incredible experience to witness new life unfolding on the farm, especially when that new life is a little flock of baby chicks!
The day we arrived in Ohio at our farm we also purchased 36 tiny, fluffy, day-old chickens.
The Anticipation of Hatching
The process of hatching begins with carefully selecting and incubating fertilized eggs from our beloved chickens. As we place these precious eggs in the warm, controlled environment of our incubator, we eagerly anticipate the arrival of the new arrivals. It is an exercise in patience and wonder as we monitor the temperature and humidity, creating the ideal conditions for the chicks to develop and hatch.
Days go by, and excitement builds as we start to notice small cracks appearing on the eggs’ shells. This is a sure sign that the baby chicks are ready to make their grand entrance into the world. Peering through the incubator’s window, we observe with bated breath as tiny beaks peck away at the shell, their chirps of determination filling the air.
The Moment of Birth (300 words): One by one, the baby chickens make their way out of their shells, emerging into a brand-new existence. Witnessing their struggle and triumph is nothing short of awe-inspiring. The baby chicks, still wet and bedraggled, start fluffing up their feathers as they adjust to their newfound freedom. It is a moment of pure vulnerability and resilience, as they take their first breaths and begin to explore their surroundings.
As caretakers, we provide a warm and safe environment for these fragile beings. We carefully transfer the newly hatched chicks to a brooder, a cozy and temperature-controlled space where they can thrive. Here, they receive the essential care they need, including access to fresh water and a specialized starter feed formulated to support their growth and development.
Nurturing the Hatchlings
In the brooder, we observe the chicks as they start to explore their world, taking their wobbly first steps and engaging in playful interactions. The adorable fluffballs create an atmosphere of pure delight as they hop and chirp, forming a bond with both their siblings and human caretakers. We ensure they have ample space to move around and encourage their natural behaviors, providing them with enriching materials like small perches and pecking blocks.
As the chicks grow, we closely monitor their health and well-being, making sure they are thriving and free from any signs of illness. We maintain a clean and hygienic environment to prevent the spread of diseases and promote their overall welfare. Regular check-ups, appropriate vaccinations, and a balanced diet are key components of our commitment to their care.
Educational Workshops
At our family farm, we believe in sharing our knowledge and passion for agriculture with the wider community.
We offer regular educational workshops and farm tours, to give visitors the opportunity to learn about keeping backyard chickens.
During these workshops we help you venture into what may be a new experience by giving you tips about what to expect when raising young chicks, feed and water, equipment you’ll need, coops, and the many benefits of keeping chickens (it’s more than eggs!)
A Happy Day All Around
The arrival of our little flock on our new family farm was pretty darn exciting. What followed were days of wonder as they grew, and new friends as each bird showed their own unique personality. Learning to mange their needs and keep them sheltered from the weather and predators was also a factor. We are blessed these days with a healthy and happy flock. Plus lots of eggs weekly to share with our local community.
Meet Partridge: Hen of the Month and Mascot of the Farm