Chicks at 1 Month

The chicks are now 1 month old and growing by leaps and bounds, so last night we decided to do a quick photoshoot with the iPhone. Most of their baby down is gone now as their feathers grow in, and they look and act like awkward teenagers.  The Buffs (Buttercup, Piper and Dandelion) are the friendliest, the most opportunistic and least afraid, but it is very difficult to tell them apart.  Zinnia is the smallest, most gentle and doesn't flinch when held. The others are all quite skiddish.  Moony is the most fearful of human contact and screeches like crazy if you try to pick her up.  Lempi is the most aloof and fully feathered. Buttercup and Piper try to fly up on the edge of the box when we are near their box which is currently in our sunroom. If the weather will cooperate, we'll put the chicks outside in their new coop.  After school the girls have been taking them into the garden to peck for worms and seeds and practice flying. It's difficult to catch and bring them back inside. We need to earn their trust. One way is through food. The chicks go ga-ga over bits of cheese, watermelon, apple, and lettuce and other veggies. By giving them extras to their diet, not only do the chicks positively associate humans with food, their palate is expanded and familiar with leftovers which normally would either go in the trash or the compost.

Buttercup - 1mth

Moony - 1mth

Zinnia - 1mth

Lempi - 1mth

Piper - 1mth

Tilly - 1mth

Cookie -1mth

Dandelion - 1mth

Kukka - 1mth

Bitsy - 1mth