Raising Rutin Chickens: From Cute Chicks to Socially Hardened Survivors

Rutin chickens, with their small size and adorable appearance, often charm those who encounter them. But beneath their cute exterior lies a surprisingly fierce nature, especially when it comes to establishing their place in the pecking order. This is the story of raising rutin chickens, from the delightful experience of hatching them to the harsh realities of integrating a newcomer into an established flock.

The Joy of Hatching

It all began with six rutin chickens, three males and three females. Their daily egg production, sometimes two or three eggs a day, sparked the idea of experiencing the miracle of hatching. An incubator was purchased, and the anticipation began.

Seventeen days later, tiny, even more adorable chicks emerged from their shells.

These minuscule creatures, barely bigger than a thumbnail, immediately began the essential routines of eating, drinking, and, well, producing waste. Their growth was rapid, fueled by a seemingly endless appetite. To ensure their comfort, a thermometer, carefully wrapped in a plastic bag, was placed in their enclosure to maintain a constant temperature of around 30 degrees Celsius, supplemented by a heat lamp.

The Fleeting Cuteness

Initially, the chicks were undeniably cute. However, as they matured, their charm diminished, a phenomenon often observed in the animal kingdom – young animals are almost universally more appealing than their adult counterparts. With a growing number of chickens and limited space, the decision was made to give some away.

Soon, only four chicks remained. After careful observation, the prettiest of the four was selected to join the larger chicken coop, hoping it would integrate seamlessly. It was a rude awakening for the chosen chick, a harsh introduction to the complexities of chicken society.

A Brutal Introduction to Society

Like children eventually leaving the safety of school to enter the adult world, the little rutin chicken faced its first major challenge. The six larger chickens relentlessly chased and pecked at it. The chick, displaying remarkable resilience, dodged its tormentors, seeking refuge on top of the nesting boxes or behind the food containers.

However, the odds were stacked against it. One against six is a daunting ratio, even for the bravest of birds. By nightfall, the little chicken had suffered a head wound, a clear sign of its defeat. Perched atop the nesting box, covered in blood, it was a pitiful sight.

The sight of the injured chick prompted immediate intervention. It was clear that leaving it in the coop would likely result in its death, as rutin chickens are known for their aggressive behavior, especially when they smell blood.

Back to Safety

The injured chick was quickly removed from the coop and returned to its familiar surroundings, the small enclosure where it had hatched. Immediately, its spirits lifted. It drank deeply and ate with gusto, as if making up for a day spent solely on survival.

The experience had clearly taken its toll.

Observing the chick's recovery, a poignant realization dawned: this little bird had experienced the harsh realities of the world and was now a street-smart chicken.

Lessons Learned

This experience offers several valuable insights:

• Animal behavior is complex: Appearances can be deceiving, and even the cutest creatures can exhibit aggressive behavior.
• Integration is challenging: Introducing new members to an established social structure can be difficult, especially in the animal kingdom.
• Resilience is essential: The ability to bounce back from adversity is crucial for survival.
• The world can be harsh: Even in a seemingly simple environment like a chicken coop, there are challenges and dangers.

Raising rutin chickens is not just about providing food and shelter; it's about witnessing the full spectrum of life, from the miracle of birth to the harsh realities of social interaction. It's a reminder that even the smallest creatures can teach us valuable lessons about resilience, survival, and the complexities of the world around us.