Learning to Fly

Emily took this short video of the chicks last night... as you can see, they're beginning to fly. They love the independence of flying, and are quite excited when we take the chicken wire top off their little brooder.

Their wings are feathered, little tails have appeared, and their manes are feathering. These feathers give a glimpse of how each chick will look as she grows into a hen.

Our Silver Maran is developing more slowly than the other two. She's getting better at her flying, though and no longer content to stay in the brooder while her sisters are flying up and out! The Easter Egger has a slightly Egyptian look to her eyes, reminding me of the famous bust of Nefertiti. The name means "the beautiful one has come". Has a nice ring to it, doesn't it?

As the real feathers develop, they replace the downy faux feathers which kept the chicks warm somewhat. I still have their heat lamp shining in, but have raised it above their brooder by several inches. They don't seem to have a need for it all the time now.  Although all three sleep close to its warmth at night, as they pile in together making a heap on the pine shavings.

The girls have about quadrupled their weight, and would happily spend the day outside if they could. They've not learned to forage yet as our hens have, but do make all the motions...  They scratch in the dirt, and then stand back to see check for bugs or seeds. Dust bathing is another activity that seems pre-programmed into their little brains.  The girls spend time cleaning their feathers by preening. That's when we get a really good look at their feathers, as they spread their wings out to their full length.
I'll be happy to have my laundry room back, but in the meantime we're enjoying these adorable, peeping little fur balls.