How to set up a safe space for your new chicks and older silkies

My chickens are officially six weeks old. They’re getting so big! I ran out of feed for them and ordered a bag from my local feed store, planning to go pick it up. It ended up taking a little longer than I expected, and I completely ran out. So, I had Amazon overnight a bag of feed so they’d have something to eat.

The day after that, I finally went to the feed store to pick up my humongous bag of feed. I honestly don’t even know what I was thinking—I think my first bag was a 7-pound starter grower feed, but when I ordered one for pickup, I accidentally got a 50-pound bag! There’s no way I’ll need that much if I’m only supposed to feed it to them for another 10 weeks.

But I guess it’s okay, because when I got to the feed store, they had so many baby chicks—it was wild! I couldn’t believe all the different chickens, ducks, and turkeys they had. While the guy was pulling my order, someone told me I get five free baby chicks with the feed I purchased. I looked at them like they were crazy.

Then I asked, “Do you have any Bantam chickens?” The lady said, “Yeah, we just got some in.” So now… I am the proud new owner of five brand-spankin’-new baby Bantam chicks. I’m not even sure what kind they are yet, but I’m going to take a guess and we’ll see if I’m even in the ballpark as they grow.

All five of them have feathers on their feet. I have two yellow ones—I believe these might be Buff Cochins. I’ve named them Goldie and Lila. I also have two brownish ones, which I think may be Mille Fleur d’Uccles. I’ve named them Frannie and Toffee. Lastly, I have a greyish one who I think may be a Porcelain d’Uccle. Her name is Mouse.

They’re so cute, and they’re already letting me hold them! My older three chicks still aren’t thrilled when I pick them up, but these new babies fall asleep in my hand.

Now, I totally understand what “chicken math” is. I also never would’ve believed it if someone told me a year ago that I’d become a crazy chicken lady. I would have laughed, because I’ve never been this fascinated with a pet. But these little chicks—and their big personalities—have completely won me over.

I guess it’s time to start building a coop. Does anyone have any good chicken coop plan recommendations?

Meet the New Chicks…