[jhub]

Well my new chicks are five weeks + 4 days, fully feathered and have been in their small Eglu for the past four days but inside at night, however last night I decided to leave them all night. I'm so glad I checked on them at 9 as the sound of loud, frantic pipping told me all was not well.

They had managed to open the door (new mechanism for me and I hadn't  locked it properly) were huddled in the corner of the run and obviously suffering from the cold. I put them back in the Eglu with a wrapped hot water bottle and loitered until they settled- approx five minutes.

Got up again at 2 and 4 to check on them and they were fine- phew.

It reminds me a little of my early days of motherhood!

[jhub]

Now the sound of  rainfall on the run roof has freaked them out and they've shot into their coop.

[crowndale]

mine didn't like the rain on sunday and i brought them in too, i'm a soft touch!! but their new proper house arrives today so no more molly coddling from me. 

[ANHBUC]

Mine were all fine but they had a broody to cuddle up to and show them what is what.  The down side is that both broodies taught their chicks about anything they consider to be a threat which includes me!    Will be working on that by handling them more regularly while mum is not around until they are more comfortable and ready for new homes.

[jhub]

The cream legbars freak out every time I approach the run whereas the light Sussex chicks are less worried. I have been handling them every day but was worried I was causing  more stress. So I guess it's ok to handle them and get them used to me?

[ANHBUC]

They will gradually see that you are not a threat.  Just approach slowly and spend time close to them without picking them up as well.

[jhub]

Thanks for this advice. The light Sussex are less flighty especially one who is much larger than her sister. They're the same age and 'she' is developing a rather pronounced comb and also is the only one who doesn't run for cover with unexpected noise etc.

[jhub]

Am beginning to suspect one of the six week old light Sussex might be a he. Comb and wattles very pink and growing rapidly!

[ANHBUC]

I think 3 of my 5 light sussex bantams are male.  They are 8 weeks old and growing so fast. 

[jhub]

So do you wait for an egg or a noise?

[ANHBUC]

So do you wait for an egg or a noise?

I think that is how it works most of the time, but there are three of mine that look a little too sure of themselves.  The other two seem to hold their heads differently most of the time (shorter looking necks).  As it is my first time with chicks let alone light sussex I will be just waiting to see how they develop!