Raising Chicks for the First Time

In a very weak moment last fall, I decided to order four baby chicks.

Then hatch day rolled around in April, and I got an email from the hatchery saying they had an over hatch of Buckeye chicks. If you know me, you know Buckeyes are basically my unicorn chicken. Naturally, I made a completely rational decision before leaving and added three more chicks to my order.

Fun fact: Buckeye chickens were developed by Nettie Metcalf in Warren, Ohio in the late 1800’s. They’re named both for the Buckeye State and for their rich coloring that resembles a buckeye nut. They’re also the only breed in the American Class of chickens credited solely to a woman.

Mom and I made the two-hour trip to hatchery to pick up my seven (!) day-old chicks. When we got back to the farm, we got them settled into their new home. They were so tiny – little fluff balls that fit right in the palm of my hand.

Now, fast forward a month, and they’ve transformed into awkward little velociraptors that are somehow half feathers, half fluff, and 100% chaos. Like tiny two-legged teenagers, they eat constantly, play nonstop and are always getting into something they shouldn’t. Each one already has its own personality and quirks. Honestly, it feels a lot like having toddlers again… except there are seven of them. And they can fly.

One of my favorite parts has been sitting back and watching them explore their world together. Before long, they’ll be fully grown and moved out to the coop and run with the older chickens.

And, if I’m being completely honest, I already know that by fall I’ll probably be browsing hatchery websites again, convincing myself I “just need a few more.”

Don’t tell Pete.

Fellow chicken tenders – Grab the egg tracker I use to keep track of eggs, expenses and sales here.