The heat is unbearable at the moment – the plants are not the only ones wilting in the punishing heat! I should add that heat waves in the UK are not actually that hot (mid-high 20’s) but the humidity that comes with it is stifling.
We fed the chickens this morning, making it vitally important that each coop had a big supply of fresh water. We have clean out and refilled the large plastic tub in the main coop as well as their usual drinking bowl. For Polly and Molly, we have made sure each of them have clean, fresh water in abundance. Sitting inside a wooden nest box surrounded by sawdust must be like living in a sauna 24/7.
Geoff rang this morning worried we didn’t have any chick crumb (a specialist food for newly hatched chicks). Fortunately, Polly’s eggs aren’t due to hatch for another week so we have time to get some!
It’s getting very exciting knowing in a few days we will know if any new chicks have hatched. The tension also rises as some broody chickens get off the eggs too early. We have previously lost chicks in the eggs when a broody has given up although the broody was so ill that getting off the eggs saved her life. Some broody chickens refuse to leave the nest at all putting them at high risk of dehydration and starvation. Most broody chickens get off the nest once a day for a quick stretch of the legs, a drink, something to eat and to go to the loo.
As the saying goes, don’t count your chickens before they hatch!
The Good Life Crewe 
Love the chickens!! — Dan
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