Meet my chickies!

As if you didn't already know that I am obsessed with my chickens, I have to introduce you to my new babies.  I should also point out that our main goal of having chickens is for fresh eggs!  D and I eat eggs like crazy, and we definitely want fresh eggs.  Will we have to have 400 dozen eggs (at least) to balance the cost of coop building and chicken raising?  Sure.  Is it worth it?  I think so.  I have to admit (although D may disagree with me), the joy of raising baby chicks makes it all worth it.  I seriously love these little babies and can not stop watching them.

[A little too scared to be outside]

I pre-ordered my little babes thinking that our coop would be done.  Our chicks are from a local farm in Raleigh called Sumner-Byrd Farm.  They're only about 25 minutes outside of Raleigh and totally worth it.  The owners have fabulous customer service and are so very nice.

While D and I unofficially agreed on four chickens, I came home with five.  The farm's website advertises "pullets."  Even after some research, I couldn't get a clear understanding of what a pullet meant.  My order was put in for three Ameraucana chickens and possibly a fourth based on availability.

[Five little chickies]

I was all alone when I picked up the chicks, and I had little idea what in the hell to do.  Luckily I hit up the hardware store for a feeder and waterer as well as some pine chips.  After a failed and scary attempt to keep my babies outside for a bit (they just huddled in a corner in the shade), I decided it was time to keep them inside.  I set them up in an extra large dog crate with the pine chips and a large work lamp with a 40 watt bulb.  The first few nights I was petrified I would do something wrong that might kill them.  Luckily, all five are thriving.

[Spot three in this picture]

This main girl is our Brahma.  This breed is particularly pretty, and I just couldn't resist her.  She is not at all affectionate, but I'm working on it.  This girl will probably be a tan-brown color and will lay brown eggs for us.  She has feathers on her feet which is particularly endearing.  

[Lady Bojangle]

This is is one of the only ones with a name.  D loves the SNL skit where the dog is named Mr. Bojangles.  Lady Bojangle here is a silkie and a bit of a bitch (we can only hope she grows up to be like this one).  She sort of rules the roost in that the others follow or hide underneath her.  Lady Bojangle despises being held and will do anything to escape your grips.  She's a beautiful little bitch so far. 

[All three Ameraucanas can be see here if you look hard.]

This little girl was the first I named.  Her name is Lula.  She's the chocolate-colored Ameraucana.  Lula was originally the most loving and affectionate.  At times, she would even run over to my hand when I stuck it in the crate.  I can get her to fall asleep and stay in my hand for quite a bit.  Lula is the "runt" out of the others but also probably the bravest.  

This Ameraucana girl is quickly becoming my favorite.  I don't have a name for her yet (help?!).  She is the best at falling asleep and staying in my hand for extending periods of time.  She just loves the affection.  I want to just carry her around with me!  Our other Ameraucana looks almost exactly the same except the stripe on her head/body is a bit lighter.  

And those are my babies.  D and I have to brainstorm some more names.  It's been extremely fun raising "pullets" and I can't wait until they can graduate from the dog crate (although I definitely don't want them to get bigger yet!).