Spring 2020 has arrived and it is time to update and expand the flock. (The strategy is to add chicken every spring to keep the flock young, healthy and egg production at a good level) Some day we may even have enough to sell the eggs, currently we are simply giving away excess to friends and neighbors.

April 15, 202 the first batch of chicks arrive, we received a bakers dozen:
Blue/Black/Splash Ameraucana 2
Golden Buff 6 (Large Brown eggs)
Green Queen 5 (Green eggs)
Unfortunately this batch was a disaster, were nor sure if it had to do with the weather turning cold during shipping or just a bad batch of chicks.  We lost 7 of the chicks within  48 hours and 3 more a day later.  We were left with 1 Green Queen and 2 Golden Buff.  Meyer Hatchery gave us a credit, because the Blue/Black/Splash Ameraucana chicks were $24 a piece, the others the normal price of $3. As of this date the three are thriving.

May 10, 2020 the second batch of chicks arrive, this time we ordered 25, hoping for better results but planning for the worst.

Black Australorps 05-10-2020 6 (Brown Eggs)
Black Sex Link 05-10-2020 3 (Brown eggs)
Cream Legbar 05-10-2020 6 (Green/Blue Eggs)
Welsummer 05-10-2020 6 (Dark Brown eggs)
Brown Leghorn 05-10-2020 4 (White eggs)

The chicks arrived in great shape, we lost 1 after 10 days but they are growing and yesterday we separated them into 2 separate pens so they would have more space.

May 27, 2020 the third batch of chicks arrived from the same hatchery as the previous batch, they were all in good shape but clearly had just hatched the day before and actually arrive a day early that expected so our friend Amme who works at the Post Office took them home at lunch time because we were in Richmond, her husband Bill put them in a hamper with heat and water until we got back.  Thanks Bill and Anne.  Part of this batch is actually going to Bill and Anne. We ordered 15 Americanas (Green/Blue eggs)and so far they are doing well with on losses.

Next task – Expand the chicken coop!