All fine on the western front

There I was panicking as usual... Nothing respiratory, no coccidiosis, just 12 healthy scratching eating chicks.

Today they're tucking into the sprout mix (with yeast, alfalfa and a tiny bit of seaweed meal) and this afternoon a mash of oatmeal, whole kefir and bandsaw dust (on top of available sprouts etc).

The hide in the pen has made a huge difference to their state of happiness! No cowering in the shed, no nervous panting. I wish I'd realised the goshawk was bothering them earlier... Stress alone can kill young chickens.

Never mind! All's well that ends well, and the pen is now well shielded.