Each spring, we add 4-5 new chicks to our laying flock. Typically, we would purchase day-old chicks from a hatchery, and raise them indoors under a heat lamp until they have feathered out enough to move outdoors. But since we have not yet outfitted our tiny house with solar power, we do not have electricity to power a heating lamp. We knew we needed to find another option this spring. After a bit of searching, I found out that Murray McMurray Hatchery ships 4-5 week old chicks, via a family-run business from near Waco, Texas, Claborn Family Farms. I connected with Joe Claborn, and had a lovely conversation with him about the best ducks and chicks for my family's needs, along with living … [Read more...]