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April 28, 2008

Freedom Rangers

These are Freedom Ranger chicks. They are a hybrid broiler known for great foraging abilities. I split an order with a woman I met on Craig's List (a wonderful resource - bookmark it now). Unfortunately half the chicks did not survive transit. Newly hatched chicks can survive 3 days without food and water because of the nutrients from the egg yolk they absorb before hatching. They do not survive cold very well. As it turns out, soon after this shipment arrived, the hatchery closed its doors. Many of its shipments this year had the same problems as this one.

If you have chicks this year - and based on conversations I have had with staff at Tractor Supply and Agway, a lot of you do - your biggest sign when you have a chilled chick is pasty butt. It is what it sounds like. The old poop has to be cleaned away from the chick's little vent, but be very gentle. If you use water, make sure you dry him off or he will remain chilled. A touch of vaseline around the area will help too but most importantly, get him warm.

These chicks are oblivious. They are too busy eating and peeping. They are voracious eaters. And cute. But what chick isn't?

Posted by roosterh at April 28, 2008 6:16 AM

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