The live-stream feed is officially updated! We’ve transitioned our live camera away from the meat bird pasture and directly into the heart of our specialty breeding operation: The Chick Grow Brooder.
While our Rustic Ranger broilers are out enjoying the fresh sea breeze along St. Mary’s Bay, the brooder is now home to our newest generations of specialty heritage chicks.
"Is that chick okay?!"
If you're watching the live feed and spot a chick stretched out cold on its side, don't panic! Very young chicks sleep hard, fast, and completely out of nowhere. They'll be running around one second, and the next they'll "flop and drop" flat on the pine shavings like a tiny feather rug. They aren't dead—just recharging their batteries after a big meal! Give them a minute or two, and they'll be right back up chasing their Silkie mamas.
Meet the Brooder Crew
If you're tuning into the feed today, you'll spot a vibrant mix of ages, colors, and feather types tumbling around the pine shavings:
- Natural Mother Silkies: We have our sweet, broody Silkie hens running point as foster mamas. They keep the chicks calm, show them where the best tidbits are, and make sure everyone stays warm and well-behaved.
- Ayam Cemani Chicks: Known for their striking, completely black feathers, skin, and comb.
- Ameraucana Chicks: The future producers of our customer-favorite pastel blue and green table eggs.
- Silkie Chicks: Extra fluffy, docile, and destined for either our entry-level homestead breeding crew or our show-quality breeding lines.
Why Natural Brooding Matters
Raising chicks with mother hens—even in a managed brooder setting—promotes natural foraging behaviors, lowers chick stress, and produces healthier, more confident adult birds. It’s just one of the ways we prioritize animal welfare and genetic strength here at Bayview Acres.
Watch the Stream & Reserve Your Chicks
Check out the live video player above to see the mamas and chicks in action!
Interested in adding these heritage genetics to your own backyard flock? Our specialty chicken breeding program offers chicks, hatching eggs, and started birds throughout the season.
- Email Us: Reach out to us directly at the farm office to check on ready-to-go brooder hatches.