EXPLORING their new accommodation, the Barleylands chicks are now almost two months old, and are growing fast.
When we last visited the brood they were tiny week-old cheeping chicks and since then they have made lots of progress. The chickens, who live at the farm park in Billericay, are developing their colour and plumage and Barleylands is pleased to announce the start of their competition to name three hens from the group.
Talking to go!, David Finkle, manager of Barleylands Farm Park, said: "They are doing really well. They have moved into their new accommodation having left the hatchery and the nursery.
"They have taken up residence in a purpose-made poultry run where they are enjoying scratching around in the fluffy fresh straw. They are in their teenage period now and are making themselves busy looking around.
"They are roughly the size of a large guinea pig and are now on their adult diet of grower's pellets and mixed corn. At the moment because they are so active they need lots of water and environment stimulation – it's good to hang toys or CDs for them to explore."
Mr Finkle went on to explain about the chicken's breed, the Legbar, and their unusual appearance.
He explained: "Their mohicans are starting to develop and they are starting to colour up with their orangey yellows and browns coming through.
"They are cheeping but haven't quite developed clucking just yet. At this stage it's all about exploration," he added.
The farm park is inviting the public to name three of their hens. They will pick out the best three names from all the entries and the winner will receive a family day pass to Barleylands.
In the coming months the farm park will also be giving away these hens so keep an eye out for future reports of this competition in go!
To take part in the naming challenge you can either enter via the farm's Facebook page which can be found at www.facebook.com/barleylands or in person by visiting the farm and handing in a form at the reception.
The naming competition will run from Monday, May 27 to Friday, May 31 in conjunction with the farm's Half Term Tractor Week.
Entrance to Barleylands Farm Park costs £10 for adults and £9 for children and concessions.