Once a week we have a new batch of chicks hatch. We have invested in a new incubator, hatcher, and two brooders. One brooder has heat for the chicks that are between 0 - 3 weeks old. The other brooder holds the 4 - 6 week old chicks since they should not have heat on them so they can feather correctly. Both brooders have 5 tiers and are sanitized between each batch of chicks. This new system has increased our hatch rate to 91% and keeps our chicks in good health. Once they reach 6 weeks they transition outside to our holding pen for a week so they are protected from the weather and learn where they should stay. After that week they then are put to pasture to be and raised in a natural environment where they forage and enjoy the outdoors with a shelter provided. We keep most predators away with our electric netting fence. The chicks join our Muscovy Ducks in our pasture and seem to get along with them great. We raise heritage breed chickens which include Rhode Island Reds, New Hampshires, Brahma, Plymoth Barred Rocks, Speckled Sussex, and Buff Orpingtons. Our hens are about 2 years old and we have a new batch of hens that should start laying eggs later this month. We also raise purebreed silkies which are so fun to watch. They are treated with extra special care at our farm.
Our Muscovy Ducks are now sitting on a clutch of eggs and we are excited to see how they turn out in a natural environment. We were hatching them with our incubator system but decided they would be best if hatched with a mom to care for them. They are such an enjoyable duck to have around since they do not make a lot of noise and they seem to really love their home.
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