CHICKEN CHATTER

It's been a while since we first purchased our four little Rhode Island Red chicks back in May.  And a lot of changes have occurred since then, as well.

We kept the chicks in a  large, heated cardboard box in the garage for the first 6-8 weeks.  During that time, Steve and I built a coop for them, from plans we purchased at the Home and Garden show in Boise.

We added the chicks as soon as the weather was consistently warm.  By now, our little fuzzy yellow balls of fluff began showing more permanent rusty red feathers, and lanky legs sprouted.  They were pretty skittish and always huddled together, amazed at the great big world outside of their cardboard box.

As time went on, their appetites increased as well as their size.  They went through a complete molt during August/September, and their voices changed from "peeps" to "clucks."

Now the 'girls' are tall and beautiful.

Their combs are unique to each, and we're learning to tell them apart.  Scarlett is the smallest and the bravest.  Whenever I set out treats for them, she's the first to investigate. The others are named Ruby, Pinkie, and Rose.  They've learned that the upper deck of the coop is their 'safe' place from the occasional dog that comes into our yard from the backyard neighbors.  And they've learned to sleep up there, too.  I don't think they actually perch on the roosting bar all night yet - just nestle down in the pine shavings on the floor.

Silly girls....

Then today we had a GREAT surprise...

...TADAAA!

The FIRST EGG!

We don't know which hen laid it, but there it was this morning!

As you can see, it is small compared to the eggs we buy at the store, but the size of the brown eggs will increase as the hens get older and more mature.

We are SO excited, and look forward to more brown beauties!  ;oD