Cute chicks and one that needs physical therapy

The chicks that hatched last weekend are growing fast. Each one has its own personality already.  Here’s just a few pics of them. These were taken when they were just one day old.

One side of its nose is black and the other side isn’t.

Unfortunately, in every hatch there’s always a weak one.  This particular chick has a splayed leg.  Luckily it’s not severe.  I noticed it when it was around 3 days old.  Its left leg does not have the strength to support itself upright that it sways slightly sideways.  Untreated it may cause more discomfort and will become permanently unable to walk.  So I went search online to find ways to treat this.

At first I tried using a straw with rubber band inserted through it just like this video I took.  But I noticed it prevents the chick from moving its legs closer together because the straw is stiff.

So I tried using a band-aid which is much better because it allows more freedom in the leg movement.  So far he/she is progressing well and is able to walk and run in the brooder.  I just hope that the recovery will go smoothly.

Now I’m becoming a PPT (Poultry Physical Therapist) haha.

On another note here’s a video of my flock while I was feeding them some scrambled eggs and tofu (yes you heard that right). They're always expecting some treats!

Training Louie to put away trash....

Training Louie to put away trash....enjoy!

My dogs playing frisbee on a lazy Sunday

Here's the video of my dogs Baloo and Louie playing Frisbee.

 

 

Rub-a-dub-dub 4 ducks in a tub

Ducks enjoying the water.

Spring-like February

All the snow had melted and I’m not complaining.  Baloo who doesn’t like the cold actually slept outside today after watching the trio of hens escape again.

 

The chickens are happier they can free-range again.  They don’t like to step on snow.

 

Ducks are also very happy due to the warm weather.

 

My oldest rooster who used to be aggressive to me has been unusually nice to me recently.  He had gone through 2 winters already.  I almost sent him to the butcher shop last September.

 

I have 5 roosters and 60 hens right now.  Used to be 64 hens but 4 drowned in the duck's stock tank (aka pond) this past month and they were my Barred Rocks who were prolific layers. 

And this rooster is my husband’s favourite.

 

And this is my favourite rooster.

 

And of course my hens are the best. When they look me in the eye, it seems like they can sense how I feel.  Only me can relate (haha).

 

Baloo ate the entire pizza

My husband and I were outside doing chicken chores with Louie (our female Australian Cattle dog mix).  We were busy replenishing their frozen water and giving them their afternoon feeds.  As usual Baloo does not want to go outside because it's cold we left him alone inside the house.  Unfortunately, I left the pizza on top of the stove.  It was still hot and was just taken out of the oven.  I completely forgot about Baloo being inside the house.  Normally he would not touch food on top of the stove but I guess the pizza was really delicious.  So there goes our pizza...

Ducks on a snowy day

Winter is finally here and the ducks are finally using their outdoor swim tub.  Ironic, they waited until it started snowing before they finally used it.

Here are some pics and videos.