An important note
Some time ago, I set up crowdfunding and a PayPal donation page so we could build rooster cages and get Chicken Paradise Hawaii’s facilities into better shape, and quite a few of you donated. Thank you again, truly.
I’ve been using the money little by little to buy materials, working to build a proper rooster cage — but it was taking longer than I expected. If you were wondering what happened, I’m sorry: things were running a bit behind. I’ll keep at it. Thank you for your support.
The white pigeons’ babies
These baby white pigeons were born here to our white pigeon pair. I haven’t handled them at all, so they’re ultra-fierce — basically wild. This is a pigeon threat display. It’s okay, it’s okay! This one has a single brown feather, like its father. The one in the back is quiet; maybe a female? I don’t know. And look at the size difference — just a few hours, and this much!
As you’ve seen, pigeons first grow yellow down (there’s still a little on this one’s head), and then come the proper adult feathers in their true colors. See these? They’re still pin feathers, new feathers wrapped in a sheath, and they burst open into feathers. Still a bit bald! Pigeons grow most of their feathers in about two weeks, spend another week or two practicing flying, and within a month they’re flying around with their parents. Very different from chickens!
Happy’s chicks
Happy’s chicks have gotten much bigger too. Their feathers came in fast, though the white pair’s babies grew bigger in body faster. Because Happy grew up with me, her chicks aren’t very afraid of people. One is showing a pattern like their mother Happy’s, the other like their father’s. Why are you so tiny? Grow a bit more!
Both have black feet, since their parents carry a lot of melanin. And because pigeons eat from inside their parent’s beak, their lower jaw is wide like a shovel, shaped so they can still breathe if their nostrils get covered. Such an interesting beak.
Around the flock
Yukinko is truly fluffy. Pen-chan’s favorite spot has soft soil, and bugs too. Natsu likes small spaces, and Glico likes looking down from up high. I even caught one chicken grooming another. Kirin has settled into his new home; he’s a little timid, but he’ll be fine here. Taro is on patrol, new lives are growing up nicely, and everyone else is stretching out and relaxing — followed by a special meal that left them very satisfied.
Thank you for watching, and for all your support. See you in the next episode!