I have been doing my research for months. I ordered the "girls" in February of this year. I selected my breeds for a combination of calm temperment, cold hardiness, body color, egg color, and availability. I ordered Buff Orpingtons, Ameraucanas (blue eggs), Dominiques, Delawares, and a single Barnevelder (all that was available.) I received a call on Monday letting me know that the Barnevelder didn't hatch. I could wait until August for everyone if I wanted another Barnevelder or I could accept another breed. The hatchery offered a Black Copper Maran as a substitute.
Can I tell you how much this sent me into a tail spin? I thought I had this all designed and planned out ... and was thrown a curve on the phone at the last minute...they had to ship that same day - the other girls had hatched. I had to decide right then. A quick look on line and I thought the Black Copper Maran would be a terrific substitute.
As I began my quick research on the Black Copper Maran I found out that this French breed has a bit of controversy around it. Pure breed French variety vs. other. I love that they are calm, good foragers, and lay the yummiest, dark brown, highly desired eggs. Okay, that's perfect for the well designed egg basket. :)
In my fantasy, the Post Office calls me and says "The girls have arrived, come and get them." HA!! No notice at all. I tracked them on line and knew that they were in town Monday at 6:03 p.m. I couldn't pick them up until the next morning at 8:30 a.m. I fretted for them overnight.
The post office never called me. I simply was there at 8:30 a.m. exactly. The post person found the box and we opened the box together and peeked inside. They all looked good!!! Yeah!!!
I placed them under the heater in the car and zipped home to their waiting warm brooder box. I dipped each beak into the sugar water and they were on their way.
They LOVE mashed egg. They are too funny with a meal worm. They are super active racing around and then...crash! Their bodies collapse, their head bobbles down and they are OUT.
The chicks are the softest thing I have ever felt! They have personalities right away. I have named the bravest girl already - Coco. Coco Channel. She has a lovely rich brown strip on her head and back. She is the first to do everything.
The Buff Orpingtons and the Delawares are so mild and sweet. The Black Copper Maran is the smallest, she's a bit of a loner, maybe even delicate - such a rare breed.
I am a nervous new Mom. They already know me when I enter the room. Well...maybe they would know anyone who enters the room. Seems they have a sixth sense about this - even sleeping, they know that you are there.
So far, I am in love with them. Even though I had to clean pasty butts this morning. Seriously....
As of today...we do not have a coop for them. The pressure is on...Steve is under the gun now.
Here is his latest design for me and the girls:
I have been doing my research for months. I ordered the "girls" in February of this year. I selected my breeds for a combination of calm temperment, cold hardiness, body color, egg color, and availability. I ordered Buff Orpingtons, Ameraucanas (blue eggs), Dominiques, Delawares, and a single Barnevelder (all that was available.) I received a call on Monday letting me know that the Barnevelder didn't hatch. I could wait until August for everyone if I wanted another Barnevelder or I could accept another breed. The hatchery offered a Black Copper Maran as a substitute. 
I placed them under the heater in the car and zipped home to their waiting warm brooder box. I dipped each beak into the sugar water and they were on their way. 
