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Peacocks! Oh My!

When I decided to call myself Summer Girl Chicks, I really didn't imagine going beyond breeding and hatching chicken. But much like the journey of life, some things just happen and they land right in our laps.

I have found myself very lucky, in that I have been given two peachicks to foster from a friend who works at a zoo (I won't name which). They were naturally incubated, and then the peahen decided to let them defend for themselves shortly after the hatch. I'm not sure of the gender of these little ones, but my instinct says one male and one female.

They are traditional India blue peacocks from a great flock. They have great little personalities, but I find them to be much more shy then chicken-chicks. I will be keeping them for a while longer, and then they will be available for purchase to a good home on a rural property, they are not for urban flocks, as grown peacocks need plenty of space, trees to climb and appreciation of their vocal nature.

I have named them KT and Perry, respectively. Can't wait to see how they grow out! They are quite lovely and I might hatch a batch or two for sale this season and the next. If you're interested in buying some peachicks, please do your research first and stand-by for chicks to come from me! There are many colour variations and I hope to carry and few exotics from time to time.

This is an India Blue Peacock (like KT and Perry)

This is also an India Blue but with a "Pied" or "pie-bald" gene, where sections of feathers and flesh are absent pigment. I hope to hatch a mixed batch of albino, India blue and piebald variants.

The odd couple!

I don't always have mixed breeds... unless they are Easter Eggers or Olive Eggers... but when I do I'm looking for a unique combination. Right now I have 12 very unique eggs in the incubator. Soon they will hatch and the mystery will unfold... what will they look like?

This mystery clutch of eggs comes from a handsome Partridge/Calico Silkie Rooster and a silver-frizzle naked neck hen. (Actual birds shown below!). The eggs themselves were a light blue and medium size.  Essentially the chicks will be Sizzle-Naked-Neck-Easter-Eggers. It will be interesting to see how the genes are split for these chicks.

This weird combination will likely result in Sizzle feathering/ Silkie Feathering/ Frizzle Feathering with a range of colouration from Black - Partridge - Silver or more. The naked neck gene should be present in some of the chicks, creating an unconventional "Showgirl" look to some chicks. Breed combinations like this can really make for interesting genetic projects.

If you're interested in any of these chicks, stay tuned and watch for updates on upcoming hatches and chick availability. If you're looking for a unique addition to your flock, these are definitely the birds for you!

Über Fancy Chicken Coops for the Urban Soul

Thinking about chickens? One of the most important things you'll need before you start keeping chickens is a great coop. Overall a coop should protect your hens from predatory danger and the elements, other consumers might also be concerned with the curb appeal...

Sure a pallet coop or recycled material coop might not be as beautiful, but it's functional. For the modern tastes or fashionable chicken keeper, I have compiled a list of über fancy coops as inspiration, why should humans have all the designer fun? I my mind, any pre-fab or "purchased" coop is fancy, part of the whole experience with chickens is building an environment with your own hands

The "Beau Coop" by Neiman Marcus, is an amazingly over-the-top coop. You can buy your very own for just $100,000. Features include a tiny library, chandelier and on site consultation from Svetlana Simon. Price does include 3-10 heritage hens, selected from a list of breeds best suited for your area.

I'm not lying, this actually exists and can be purchased from Neiman Marcus. Click here to see more.

For the innovative chicken keeper, you might enjoy a multi-functioning coop with a roof garden and funky colours. For just $1,500, you too can house up to 3 chickens in your yard (Chickens & Supplies not included.)

The Kippen House Coop, ($1, 500) The mark-up is incredible, I mean
I think someone could replicate this for  $300, maybe less (Chickens included)?

Another look a the Kippen Coop, bright colours, modern appeal, round nest box, and lettuce roof (As long as the chickens don't get of there and eat it!). A square or box design is never ideal for the snowy climate!

If looks are what matter to you, by all means make it coop-beautiful! Keep your chickens happy healthy and safe, and why not make it the focal point of the yard with amazing design, how could neighbors be upset when you've got such a stylish coop! Then again, these recycled coops are pretty neat...

A run made out of a recycled trampoline, and a coop from an old front loading washer door! Very innovative!

Updates & My New Breeding Program!

Is it summer yet?! It seems like time is flying by, and I'm glad we still have some spring left, because there is so much to do! Plans for Summer Girl Chicks has changed, as the American imports service rules have changed and I must modify my system. Some of my larger planned imports have been moved by the hatchery to early fall. I will be contacting clients on the order list after my next shipment to give them an idea of chick delivery dates. I apologize in advance for this inconvenience.

Luckily for customers interested in un-sexed or rare breed chicks, I have made plans to increase these chicks and will have plenty available throughout the summer and into the fall! Final hatch will take place before Halloween.

The second SGC season will begin March 1st, 2014, unfilled orders will have 1st priority for imported chicks and clients on breed waiting lists will also hold a higher order in availability for the second Season 2014.

For the 2014 Season I have chosen to stock 3 rare chicken breeds and offer a limited number of chicks and hatching eggs on auction. I will also keep importing American female sexed stock and hatching rare show quality breeds for sale and order.

I have decided to breed Frizzle and Smooth Tolbunt Polish, Swedish Flower Hens and Icelandic Hens. For more information on these breeds, stay tuned, and check-out my new Breeding Flock page coming soon!

Swedish Flower Hens, Tolbunt Polish, Icelandic Hens