Raising Chickens From The Time They Are Babies

Raising chickens from tiny chicks can be hard work but it is undoubtedly fulfilling too. Just watching them grow from slimy little egg contents to little individuals that wobble around and chirp around the coop is an experience in itself. In fact the 1st month has got to be the most interesting with the many changes that take place.

Between 3 to 6 weeks, baby chicks will start shedding off their fluffiness, which is then replaced with feathers. Their wattles and combs also start growing at this age and they turn a deep red color with the passage of time. If you are rearing cockerels or young roosters, now is the time they will make their first attempt at crowing. And if you are rearing pullets or young hens, they will start laying their first eggs when they are around 21-25 weeks old. Pullet's eggs are typically small in size and they have weak shells. The eggs become larger and have harder shells as the pullets lay more frequently.

By the time they are 6 months old, the rosters will have completely formed combs and wattles and they will have discovered the joys of pecking one another. The pullets go through periods where the egg-laying is slow but when they do lay eggs, they are definitely larger in size than before.

All chicks mold during summer. This is the process whereby chickens shed their feathers and then re-grow them again at a later stage. During this time they do not lay eggs and they tend to look as if they are diseased even though they are perfectly healthy. No need to panic; this is just a stage they are going through and it is normal. There's nothing to worry about. In a matter of time, their feathers will grow back again.

However, if the feathers are taking longer than usual to grow back then it may be a matter of concern and you may want to see a vet as it could be due to a parasite infection or some other illness. Take a closer look and see if the chickens are behaving normally or if their behavior is a bit awkward.

Another thing to look out for are broody chickens. Some chickens are just broody by nature and this can be maddening at times. All they want to do is sit on their eggs and they will not move from there come what may. Some of them are obsessed with the idea that they will insist on sitting on anything that remotely resembles an egg.

Well, if you want your eggs hatched super-fast, this could actually be good for you. On the other hand, broody hens are grumpy hens and you will need to watch it if you want to get at that egg. A broody hen will never let you take the egg without a fight and will even peck your hand as soon as you get too close for comfort.