Adding Chickens to My Flock
It’s always so exciting when new chickens arrive at the farm.
I’ve been raising chickens for a long time. Not only do I love keeping them for their fresh, delicious eggs, but I also enjoy their company and learning about their many different breeds and personalities. Recently, my friend Ari Katz, a young and passionate poultry breeder and exhibitor, gifted me with three beautiful Barred Rock chickens. I love Barred Rocks and have had many over the years. The Barred Rock, or Plymouth Rock, is a popular Heritage Breed that was developed in New England in the early 1800s - best loved for its strength, its vitality, and its egg-laying abilities. I am so glad this trio is now part of my flock.
Enjoy these photos.
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- Here are the three Barred Rock chickens at Ari’s family farm – one male and two females. These chickens were hatched in February, so they’re about four-and-a-half-months old. Ari took several photos before leaving for Bedford.
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- Here is Ari preparing the birds. Ari trimmed their beaks and toenails. He also wormed them and sprayed them with mite and lice medicine, which he says is a good bi-monthly practice.
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- For the ride, Ari prepares a box with a layer of scratch grain and grass.
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- And here he is placing the birds into the box with his dog, Safari, watching attentively.
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- The chickens are ready for their trip to my Bedford, New York farm. Ari also brought me a couple lemon seedlings from one of his family’s citrus trees.
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- Everyone arrived safe and sound. Here I am holding one of Barred Rock pullets, which is a female under a year old. My trusted Polaris Ranger Crew 1000 is ready to take everyone to the chicken coops.
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- Here I am introducing the trio to their new home. I always reserve the first coop in the yard for chicks and other young birds. They remain separated from the adults until they are older and bigger.
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- Outside, all the other chickens are curious and watching all the activity. Early morning and late afternoon, these birds are given cracked corn. They also get plenty of vegetable matter from my gardens.
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- Chickens love to roost on high levels. In their fenced enclosure, the chickens are provided ladders and natural roosts made out of felled trees. I’ve raised many different chicken breeds and varieties over the years – they are all so beautiful to observe. I am fascinated by their many colors and feather patterns.
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- This rooster is looking over from the next coop.
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- The trio seems to be settling in nicely – they will be very happy here at Cantitoe Corners. The Barred Rock was first seen in Massachusetts in the 19th century, and for much of the early 20th century was the most popular chicken breed in the United States.
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- Here is one of the Barred Rock pullets about to explore the yard outside her new coop. These hens are prolific layers of brown eggs. They are easy to manage and make good sitters and mothers.
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- This is the cockerel or male chicken under a year old. He is already outside with the other pullet. This breed was added to the Standard of Excellence of the American Poultry Association in the 1800s. This barred plumage pattern was the original one, with other colors added later.
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- Here’s the pullet meeting my large Black Langshan. You may recall, I bought a trio of this breed from Northeastern Poultry Congress in Springfield, Massachusetts earlier this year. The Langshan is a rare, endangered breed from China. It is a graceful, nicely-proportioned bird with feathered legs. These birds are also quite active for large fowl, and this male is very friendly.
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- The Barred Rock Rock has a single comb with five points. Their combs, wattles, and ear-lobes are all bright red, and their legs are yellow and unfeathered. These birds have long, broad backs with moderately deep, full breasts. They are winter-hardy, tame and docile.
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- It’s always important to show all new birds, especially chicks, where their food and water are located, so they know right away where to go.
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- The Barred Rocks are sharing their coop with a few other young birds including this female peachick that I incubated and hatched right in my kitchen. She is doing so well.
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- Here is Dawa, who cares for all my outdoor birds. They all love him and rush to greet him whenever he is near. I think the peachick is looking for a treat.
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- These Barred Rocks are already running around their yard – I know they will thrive here at my farm. And soon, the females will be laying beautiful brown eggs.
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- Whenever I can, I love to go down to the coops and visit with my gorgeous flock. I am grateful for all the delicious eggs they produce and for their fun-loving personalities. What are your favorite breeds of chickens? Let me know in the comments section.
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