New Arrivals!

     Today marks week one for our newest arrivals. Red Ranger chicks arrived just in time for my spring break-away! These sweet little peepers have been my all-day focus and regular source of entertainment.
      Upon arrival, our littles are introduced to the water fountain and given a little time to explore the brooder before feed is given. Due to crazy weather flux, we have them inside our shop building instead of the actual brood house (the brood house has several trees surrounding it and some have dropped large branches lately) Routine checks for water, warmth and food are round the clock activity.
       In year past, we raised the Cornish cross rocks required by our 4H/Fair program. This year we opted out of the fair system, choosing to raise a more traditional and less modified meat flock. While they are completely contained right now, the goal is to introduce soil/green to them as soon as they move to their brood house and raise them free range once they have feathers and are a suitable size.   Along with a more free range/open system, we are focusing more intently on natural practices as well keeping our eye on their forage, feed, and supplementing as naturally as possible.
       Now, off to check them one more time- it's a bit chilly tonight!