A year and a half of news - how could I go so long without sharing my thoughts. Says a lot about my state of mind. Much loss, too much heart break, in my life in that year and a half. How do people worm their way into your life and then just pull out - no goodbyes, no hugs, nothing - just gone.
In August of last year my brother-in-law did just that! He was my friend and he died without even a good bye. In October a dear friend of many years lay dead at her computer while we waited on her at the Tea House. Just gone - no goodbyes, no "Love you", nothing. November brought the deadly stroke that started the illnesses that took my Father in January. Then another friend in June. In July Mother had two major blockages repaired and I am convinced they were from a broken heart. It is so hard when nothing brings joy to the broken hearted - the ones you love.
Some days my heart hurts with the missing of these family and friends and some days I laugh with joy at my memories. That is the way I want to be remembered - with joy and laughter!
Then a miracle was born in June and my heart starting melting and came out of shock. God knows our needs better than we do and he knows what we are going through every day. My fourth granddaughter was born bringing much joy and happiness. The birth of this child reminded me that life will go on - we have no control over God's plans for each and every one of us.
Now on to the present and the future with joy in our hearts!
About my little farm - out of 34 yard birds, I have 10 left (9 hens and 1 rooster). I am on the verge of transferring them to my daughter's farm as they have become very demanding and hard to handle. The coyotes and hawks have killed off most of my feathered friends and the snakes (removed two in one day from the laying box) and opossums (we trapped 6 in one week) are getting more eggs than I am getting. I think next Spring I will start over with a new batch and see how I manage. With no food here, maybe the varmints will move on to greener pastures. I have acquired a beautiful Land Shun that will be hard to part with.
It has been a hot summer here in central Georgia. One of the wettest springs that I can remember, but when the rain left it left for weeks. Even my rosemary dried on its own. The hibiscus is droopy and woody and the blooms have fallen off without opening. What the weather hasn't killed, the chickens have and they have enjoyed a wonderful crop of tomatoes while I had none!
Thanks for visiting and remember to Keep Smiling!
Belle
Showing posts with label eggs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label eggs. Show all posts
Sunday, September 7, 2014
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
2013 Spring
Lot of visits in the last few days, not complaining, just wondering! Always enjoy visits to my pictures, thoughts and gripes.
Busy, busy, busy around this little farm. New kits (bunnies) born on Easter Sunday and Star is a good mother. My rabbits seem to be a bit temperamental and sometimes behave in most unsavory ways. Pinky's babe has developed into a beautiful little thing, but is still a bit hyper and not comfortable as yet with being handled.
Chickens are so very happy to have the sunshine and warm weather return and the egg production has once again increased. The brood has to be thinned but it is hard to do when they are all your babies.
My daughter's farm, Blessed Acres Farm, is growing and developing quite nicely. She has spring onions ready to sell and they are beautiful! Too much rain on the strawberries, but that can't be helped. Maybe just a message that strawberries don't belong on her farm - she is allergic to them! Greenhouse is filled with sprouted seeds and small plants almost ready to go in the ground. The spinach patch is coming right along.
The large field has been twice plowed and harrowed; ready for the rows to be laid and plants or seeds put in the rich ground. In the next 90 to 120 days we will be feasting on beans, tomatoes, peas, spinach and all the good stuff and all GMO free and natural the way it was meant to be. Chicks and ducks are thriving in their new space and should come right along in the next few weeks. By August the chicks should be producing eggs regularly. Buff Orpingtons are good layers if on the broody side. She also has Arucanas which I know nothing about, but they are really cute chicks!
It is unbelievable how many people do not know they can not just travel across other people's property. Many 4-wheeler's cutting through the woods and fields and when confronted are very aggressive as if the property owners are the offenders! The lack of respect for other people's property and belongings astounds me, but I was raised in a different era. A few years back we came home to find a man riding his 4- wheeler in the woods next to the house. When ask who gave him permission, he said he didn't need permission - nobody lived there.
The few problems encountered will not stop my joy at such a beautiful Spring! So glad to have all the trees and shrubs budding out and blooming. The rain has even come at good times to wash to excess away and help keep my sinus' free from irritation!
Many changes occurring in our world - both local and worldwide. Praying that God protects us as we are forced to accept these changes and that He guides our leaders in their decisions that will so greatly affect us.
Thanks for dropping in and until next time . . .
Happy Reading!
Belle
Busy, busy, busy around this little farm. New kits (bunnies) born on Easter Sunday and Star is a good mother. My rabbits seem to be a bit temperamental and sometimes behave in most unsavory ways. Pinky's babe has developed into a beautiful little thing, but is still a bit hyper and not comfortable as yet with being handled.
Chickens are so very happy to have the sunshine and warm weather return and the egg production has once again increased. The brood has to be thinned but it is hard to do when they are all your babies.
My daughter's farm, Blessed Acres Farm, is growing and developing quite nicely. She has spring onions ready to sell and they are beautiful! Too much rain on the strawberries, but that can't be helped. Maybe just a message that strawberries don't belong on her farm - she is allergic to them! Greenhouse is filled with sprouted seeds and small plants almost ready to go in the ground. The spinach patch is coming right along.
The large field has been twice plowed and harrowed; ready for the rows to be laid and plants or seeds put in the rich ground. In the next 90 to 120 days we will be feasting on beans, tomatoes, peas, spinach and all the good stuff and all GMO free and natural the way it was meant to be. Chicks and ducks are thriving in their new space and should come right along in the next few weeks. By August the chicks should be producing eggs regularly. Buff Orpingtons are good layers if on the broody side. She also has Arucanas which I know nothing about, but they are really cute chicks!
It is unbelievable how many people do not know they can not just travel across other people's property. Many 4-wheeler's cutting through the woods and fields and when confronted are very aggressive as if the property owners are the offenders! The lack of respect for other people's property and belongings astounds me, but I was raised in a different era. A few years back we came home to find a man riding his 4- wheeler in the woods next to the house. When ask who gave him permission, he said he didn't need permission - nobody lived there.
The few problems encountered will not stop my joy at such a beautiful Spring! So glad to have all the trees and shrubs budding out and blooming. The rain has even come at good times to wash to excess away and help keep my sinus' free from irritation!
Many changes occurring in our world - both local and worldwide. Praying that God protects us as we are forced to accept these changes and that He guides our leaders in their decisions that will so greatly affect us.
Thanks for dropping in and until next time . . .
Happy Reading!
Belle
Thursday, January 24, 2013
My World January 2013
My! My! I have been very derelict in keeping up my blog! So much is happening in my world lately and time has been short!
Turned out my male rabbits for the winter, much time and effort in keeping them separated, fed, watered, and cared for. I know that sounds lazy, but these little fellows still get fed, but they also have the freedom to roam, hide, and find nice warm spots to get out of the cold. The females are quite happy in their little hutch and spend their days running each other around and their nights huddled together.
It has worked well for all and each morning I am met by my little fuzzy friends when I go out to feed. They follow me from chore to chore and then get their treats. Coming home from church on Sunday I had quite a surprise when four little ones scampered out of the barn behind mother. Yep, we messed up on one of those little rascals and she has 4 kits that are about 6 weeks old and healthy as can be. I was so excited to see these little ones. They have become accustomed to my movements and as long as I don't move too fast they are content to maintain their space.
Hubby put the chickens up for the winter. The barn provides much protection from the elements and my big fat hens have taken to hiding their eggs. It became a search and rescue mission when gathering eggs. Son-in-law found three nest with 84 eggs in them. The hens had gotten into the storage area and laid in the middle of rolls of barbed wire. Watching them come and go I knew there was a nest in there somewhere, but I had been unable to find it. After sun down, son-in-law took a high powered light and went on a search. So glad we found the stash.
We floated the eggs and immediately lost 2 dozen and another dozen didn't look right when I cracked them for freezing. Eggs, when placed in a glass bowl of ice cold water will float if bad or rotten and sink if good. So 2 dozen immediately popped to the top and some just hovered close to the bottom. Eggs keep very well frozen. I crack them into a muffin pan, remove when set and place in a zip lock bag.
Cold weather in our forecast has initiated my urge to sew. Maybe, maybe not. I have taxes to do, so probably not. At least the urge is still there. I am sorely disappointed in myself with my sewing projects. I have much to do , but no motivation to proceed. Sewing is my comfort chore and I suppose I have been much too content to need the comfort.
My daughter and her family is staying with us while they develop their farm and build a house. She makes the most wonderful soap. Opal's Hope Soaps are cold processed natural soaps that are so nourishing to the skin without the harmful sulfates. She also has a shampoo bar - no conditioner needed. These soaps are loaded with all the good stuff and none of the bad. The Christmas season kept her busy around here getting gift baskets ready and delivered/shipped.
Planting time is upon us and we are already behind. According to the Market Bulletin produced by the Georgia Department of Agriculture asparagus, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, mustard, Onion, potatoes, radishes, spinach and turnips should already be in the ground. Beets, collards, broccoli, and kale should be planted in two weeks. Hubby has the ground turned, but not near ready to plant. I have to get myself into gear and get out there or we won't have the fresh veggies we all love.
Hubby surprised me with a Nook for Christmas. While I love the convenience of carrying so many books with me, I sure miss the feel of the paper in my hand. I will get use to it and one day I will caress the Nook - which I have named "Reba" - as I do my wonderful books. (I haven't thrown out any books yet!) I have downloaded some of the older books I wanted to read but have been unable to find in my Thrift store rummaging.
Well, work is calling and there is much to do. Thanks for sharing the time with me and come back again to visit.
Happy Reading!
Belle
Turned out my male rabbits for the winter, much time and effort in keeping them separated, fed, watered, and cared for. I know that sounds lazy, but these little fellows still get fed, but they also have the freedom to roam, hide, and find nice warm spots to get out of the cold. The females are quite happy in their little hutch and spend their days running each other around and their nights huddled together.
It has worked well for all and each morning I am met by my little fuzzy friends when I go out to feed. They follow me from chore to chore and then get their treats. Coming home from church on Sunday I had quite a surprise when four little ones scampered out of the barn behind mother. Yep, we messed up on one of those little rascals and she has 4 kits that are about 6 weeks old and healthy as can be. I was so excited to see these little ones. They have become accustomed to my movements and as long as I don't move too fast they are content to maintain their space.
Hubby put the chickens up for the winter. The barn provides much protection from the elements and my big fat hens have taken to hiding their eggs. It became a search and rescue mission when gathering eggs. Son-in-law found three nest with 84 eggs in them. The hens had gotten into the storage area and laid in the middle of rolls of barbed wire. Watching them come and go I knew there was a nest in there somewhere, but I had been unable to find it. After sun down, son-in-law took a high powered light and went on a search. So glad we found the stash.
We floated the eggs and immediately lost 2 dozen and another dozen didn't look right when I cracked them for freezing. Eggs, when placed in a glass bowl of ice cold water will float if bad or rotten and sink if good. So 2 dozen immediately popped to the top and some just hovered close to the bottom. Eggs keep very well frozen. I crack them into a muffin pan, remove when set and place in a zip lock bag.
Cold weather in our forecast has initiated my urge to sew. Maybe, maybe not. I have taxes to do, so probably not. At least the urge is still there. I am sorely disappointed in myself with my sewing projects. I have much to do , but no motivation to proceed. Sewing is my comfort chore and I suppose I have been much too content to need the comfort.
My daughter and her family is staying with us while they develop their farm and build a house. She makes the most wonderful soap. Opal's Hope Soaps are cold processed natural soaps that are so nourishing to the skin without the harmful sulfates. She also has a shampoo bar - no conditioner needed. These soaps are loaded with all the good stuff and none of the bad. The Christmas season kept her busy around here getting gift baskets ready and delivered/shipped.
Planting time is upon us and we are already behind. According to the Market Bulletin produced by the Georgia Department of Agriculture asparagus, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, mustard, Onion, potatoes, radishes, spinach and turnips should already be in the ground. Beets, collards, broccoli, and kale should be planted in two weeks. Hubby has the ground turned, but not near ready to plant. I have to get myself into gear and get out there or we won't have the fresh veggies we all love.
Hubby surprised me with a Nook for Christmas. While I love the convenience of carrying so many books with me, I sure miss the feel of the paper in my hand. I will get use to it and one day I will caress the Nook - which I have named "Reba" - as I do my wonderful books. (I haven't thrown out any books yet!) I have downloaded some of the older books I wanted to read but have been unable to find in my Thrift store rummaging.
Well, work is calling and there is much to do. Thanks for sharing the time with me and come back again to visit.
Happy Reading!
Belle
Thursday, October 25, 2012
My Feathered Friends
The newest of the brood!
This hen shared the laying rights with another hen. There were twenty eggs in the nest when she started brooding and she hatched 17 of the 20. Half are Sextons and half are Round heads. At three weeks, she has managed to keep them all alive except one. Now the Sexton is setting on another batch of eggs, so we will see what her rate of hatch is going to be. Wonderful watching these little ones learn the survival techniques they will need to survive. I can't believe how still they can be when the hawk flies over.
Friday, June 24, 2011
Rabbits and Chickens!
I know N O T H I N G about rabbits! But, I am learning fast! Pick them up by the nape of the neck or you will get clawed badly! They eat and drink constantly!
Never thought I would have to learn to sex a rabbit, but dang if these little fellows are a bit tricky, I started with three of these little balls of fur and lost one - I didn't know what the heck I was doing and had no idea this beauty was pregnant, but I quickly found out you can't keep males and females together. In all honesty, this little lady was pregnant when I bought her and I had no idea! I now know you palpitate the sides of a female to determine pregnancy and never keep the males and females together except during the very short breeding process. It doesn't take long as the sole purpose of male bunnies is to eat and make babies!
I now know I have all males and will continue in this vein for just a while. I need to change my hutch setup to accommodate both sexes and keep from losing anymore due to my stupidity! Things are looking up though and I have learned much in the past 3 weeks about these wonderful little animals. Their main diet consist of hay and fresh veggies - my bunnies favor celery tops and lettuce (they prefer iceberg but will eat Romain). They also like ripe tomatoes, but also enjoy any green stuff from the garden. I fear during the winter I will have to supplement the fresh garden stuff with some veggie pellets, but for now they are happy. They are emptying the water containers regularly as we have had many days of 90+ temperatures which has really taken a toll on their fur covered bodies.
The "half" grown chickens are doing well. Mid morning they all get a misting with the water hose and enjoy playing in the rain as long as the water flow isn't too strong. The mist they enjoy, a washing they don't like! I a having to dig the plastic eggs out again to stop an "egg eater." The oyster shells are suppose to stop that, but I have one that attacks the egg as soon as the hen leaves the nest! I think I have identified the culprit and if the plastic egg doesn't work, she will be separated from the flock for a while. A hungry little bugger, she eats six or seven eggs a day!
The neighbor's rooster is still eating as many of my tomatoes as I am and he has learned to "sneak" into the garden through the woods. He and I fight on a daily basis! The deer found my cantaloupe and have stripped the vines on many plants. I can identify that hoof print and so I can't blame the rabbits or rooster for that one. As some of you know I have rehabbed a couple of deer. I can only hope that one of them has come back for a visit, but I sure wish they wouldn't eat my veggies. They cleared a half a row of green beans before the cantaloupe came up but all the plants seem to have survived.
I have a dozen eggs in the incubator that a mother hen left. I am hoping they all hatch and they weren't left too long. Some great person left a dog that was no longer wanted at my nephew's house and he scared the chickens off the nest. Not vicious, just curious, he had to investigate and the hen ran off. With luck I can call my nephew to come get 12 new biddies in the next few days!
Life in the country is never boring and always filled with something going on! Lot's of work, but so rewarding!
Until next time . . .
Happy reading!
Belle
Never thought I would have to learn to sex a rabbit, but dang if these little fellows are a bit tricky, I started with three of these little balls of fur and lost one - I didn't know what the heck I was doing and had no idea this beauty was pregnant, but I quickly found out you can't keep males and females together. In all honesty, this little lady was pregnant when I bought her and I had no idea! I now know you palpitate the sides of a female to determine pregnancy and never keep the males and females together except during the very short breeding process. It doesn't take long as the sole purpose of male bunnies is to eat and make babies!
I now know I have all males and will continue in this vein for just a while. I need to change my hutch setup to accommodate both sexes and keep from losing anymore due to my stupidity! Things are looking up though and I have learned much in the past 3 weeks about these wonderful little animals. Their main diet consist of hay and fresh veggies - my bunnies favor celery tops and lettuce (they prefer iceberg but will eat Romain). They also like ripe tomatoes, but also enjoy any green stuff from the garden. I fear during the winter I will have to supplement the fresh garden stuff with some veggie pellets, but for now they are happy. They are emptying the water containers regularly as we have had many days of 90+ temperatures which has really taken a toll on their fur covered bodies.
The "half" grown chickens are doing well. Mid morning they all get a misting with the water hose and enjoy playing in the rain as long as the water flow isn't too strong. The mist they enjoy, a washing they don't like! I a having to dig the plastic eggs out again to stop an "egg eater." The oyster shells are suppose to stop that, but I have one that attacks the egg as soon as the hen leaves the nest! I think I have identified the culprit and if the plastic egg doesn't work, she will be separated from the flock for a while. A hungry little bugger, she eats six or seven eggs a day!
The neighbor's rooster is still eating as many of my tomatoes as I am and he has learned to "sneak" into the garden through the woods. He and I fight on a daily basis! The deer found my cantaloupe and have stripped the vines on many plants. I can identify that hoof print and so I can't blame the rabbits or rooster for that one. As some of you know I have rehabbed a couple of deer. I can only hope that one of them has come back for a visit, but I sure wish they wouldn't eat my veggies. They cleared a half a row of green beans before the cantaloupe came up but all the plants seem to have survived.
I have a dozen eggs in the incubator that a mother hen left. I am hoping they all hatch and they weren't left too long. Some great person left a dog that was no longer wanted at my nephew's house and he scared the chickens off the nest. Not vicious, just curious, he had to investigate and the hen ran off. With luck I can call my nephew to come get 12 new biddies in the next few days!
Life in the country is never boring and always filled with something going on! Lot's of work, but so rewarding!
Until next time . . .
Happy reading!
Belle
Friday, April 15, 2011
Two weeks ago a very thoughtful neighbor gifted me with 20 biddies. It was an unsolicited and wonderful surprise from this man with a heart of gold.
Several weeks ago a neighbors dog killed ten of my laying hens and a rooster. These are pets that I raised and nurtured for over a year. The dog's owner offered to pay me for the hens, but having no idea the value to put on my friends, I told them no. I replaced my Rhode Island Reds with a few Barred Rock hens that were already laying.
My gift arrived. A mixture of Rhode Island Red, Red Sexlink and Big Reds, these little biddies became my focus of attention for days. I wanted to make sure they were safe, warm and well fed and watered. The little ones settled in quickly. On Saturday I went out to check their feed and water only to find a 6 foot black snake had eaten seven of my little ones. My heart fell. Sunday was a repeat only this four footer only ate three before being caught. I still have 10 little ones which during the week have relaxed once again and are happily running up and down their pen. In a couple of weeks they will be too big for the snakes to swallow and I can stop worrying so much.
I think this may have been the reason my egg production dropped from four a day to two a day. I have some well fed snakes in my area. The coyote pups have been born also. I hear their cries late at night and in the early morning in the woods behind the barn. I am waiting on them also as I know they will be coming my way in search of food.
I don't think I shall get too attached to the biddies or the new chickens. Mother Nature is not kind to my heart. And yes, I know all about the survival instinct, but I still don't like it.
Until next time . . .
Happy reading!
Belle
Several weeks ago a neighbors dog killed ten of my laying hens and a rooster. These are pets that I raised and nurtured for over a year. The dog's owner offered to pay me for the hens, but having no idea the value to put on my friends, I told them no. I replaced my Rhode Island Reds with a few Barred Rock hens that were already laying.
My gift arrived. A mixture of Rhode Island Red, Red Sexlink and Big Reds, these little biddies became my focus of attention for days. I wanted to make sure they were safe, warm and well fed and watered. The little ones settled in quickly. On Saturday I went out to check their feed and water only to find a 6 foot black snake had eaten seven of my little ones. My heart fell. Sunday was a repeat only this four footer only ate three before being caught. I still have 10 little ones which during the week have relaxed once again and are happily running up and down their pen. In a couple of weeks they will be too big for the snakes to swallow and I can stop worrying so much.
I think this may have been the reason my egg production dropped from four a day to two a day. I have some well fed snakes in my area. The coyote pups have been born also. I hear their cries late at night and in the early morning in the woods behind the barn. I am waiting on them also as I know they will be coming my way in search of food.
I don't think I shall get too attached to the biddies or the new chickens. Mother Nature is not kind to my heart. And yes, I know all about the survival instinct, but I still don't like it.
Until next time . . .
Happy reading!
Belle
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Chicken update II
I tried to give you a break on my chicken tales, but can't hold back any longer!
Olive green eggs arrived last week (I may have mentioned these) and today, dear hubby came flying in the house with 2 olive green eggs, found not in the coop, but in holes in the dirt of the floor of the barn. Chickens, as most poultry do, love to dust their feathers in the dirt. The Black Giants (that is the way they were sold) have both started laying and the eggs are so unusual on the outside, but same old egg on the inside. They are as large as the Rhode Island Red's eggs, but have a beautiful olive green tint.
Bless their hearts, they look just like a baby buzzard, but if you can get by their looks they are really sweet birds. As the days are getting shorter the number of eggs will get less. Chickens lay according to their light intake and I don't keep a light on my birds, so when the days get shorter and they get less light, I get less eggs.
I was a little late the other day in feeding the birds and the old rooster had already gone to his roosting stick. As I poured the laying mash in the feeder, he swooped down on me. Luckily I was anticipating his ire and quickly twisted to the side thereby foiling his attempts to do me in. He is getting more ornery with age, but still knows where his food comes from. He just has to try me once in a while.
My little yard birds which are almost as big as their mom, are running around on their own now. They have learned they can venture away from mom and still be safe, but if cornered will squawk and fly right to her side. They are so fun to watch.
I am not getting much of that yard work done, but it is still on my "to do" list. The more I have on my list, the less I seem to get accomplished, but so is life. The harder we peddle the steeper the hill.
Until next time . . .
Happy Reading!
Belle
Olive green eggs arrived last week (I may have mentioned these) and today, dear hubby came flying in the house with 2 olive green eggs, found not in the coop, but in holes in the dirt of the floor of the barn. Chickens, as most poultry do, love to dust their feathers in the dirt. The Black Giants (that is the way they were sold) have both started laying and the eggs are so unusual on the outside, but same old egg on the inside. They are as large as the Rhode Island Red's eggs, but have a beautiful olive green tint.
Bless their hearts, they look just like a baby buzzard, but if you can get by their looks they are really sweet birds. As the days are getting shorter the number of eggs will get less. Chickens lay according to their light intake and I don't keep a light on my birds, so when the days get shorter and they get less light, I get less eggs.
I was a little late the other day in feeding the birds and the old rooster had already gone to his roosting stick. As I poured the laying mash in the feeder, he swooped down on me. Luckily I was anticipating his ire and quickly twisted to the side thereby foiling his attempts to do me in. He is getting more ornery with age, but still knows where his food comes from. He just has to try me once in a while.
My little yard birds which are almost as big as their mom, are running around on their own now. They have learned they can venture away from mom and still be safe, but if cornered will squawk and fly right to her side. They are so fun to watch.
I am not getting much of that yard work done, but it is still on my "to do" list. The more I have on my list, the less I seem to get accomplished, but so is life. The harder we peddle the steeper the hill.
Until next time . . .
Happy Reading!
Belle
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
I have been down and out for a couple of days with allergies. How could something so small be the cause of so much pain? It is an ongoing problem, but I am on the mend and ready to get back to it.
The chicks are progressing wonderfully. We had a scare on Sunday when the daughter-in-law found a "huge" chicken snake in the barn. We all went running, but the thing out smarted us all and escaped. I am keeping a close eye out for him as I know he is eating my eggs and will continue to do so until he is dispatched to other terrain. I knew something was amiss when production dropped from 5 eggs a day to 2 eggs a day.
The garden is growing by leaps and bounds. The rain has started everyting to growing including the weeds. Suppose to get more water today, so the weeding will have to hold until tomorrow or Thursday. The ground is too wet to be tromping through the rows.
My oldest grandchildren are coming for a short mid week visit and I will be busy "absorbing" for a few days. Who knows what we will find to get into, but I have a couple of ideas. I need to keep them here for a week at least to finish some sewing I started. They grow so fast they will have outgrown everything before I finish.
Until next time,
Happy reading!
Belle
The chicks are progressing wonderfully. We had a scare on Sunday when the daughter-in-law found a "huge" chicken snake in the barn. We all went running, but the thing out smarted us all and escaped. I am keeping a close eye out for him as I know he is eating my eggs and will continue to do so until he is dispatched to other terrain. I knew something was amiss when production dropped from 5 eggs a day to 2 eggs a day.
The garden is growing by leaps and bounds. The rain has started everyting to growing including the weeds. Suppose to get more water today, so the weeding will have to hold until tomorrow or Thursday. The ground is too wet to be tromping through the rows.
My oldest grandchildren are coming for a short mid week visit and I will be busy "absorbing" for a few days. Who knows what we will find to get into, but I have a couple of ideas. I need to keep them here for a week at least to finish some sewing I started. They grow so fast they will have outgrown everything before I finish.
Until next time,
Happy reading!
Belle
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Chicken Update
I have 9 beautiful new little chicks that are as of yesterday a week old. Eat, eat, eat and drink, drink, drink is their main forte at this point. We are proud of the little buggers and just know they will be producing big brown eggs in just five months and start giving back.
With our laying hens and roosters, our new chicks brings our flock to number twenty four. Of course, some of these precious babies will be roosters and will either go in the cookpot or to the sale barn.
I want to share a few things we learned through this process. First, keep the temperature between 98 and 100 degrees. We maintained the 100 degree point through the use of an old thermostat from a discarded hot water heater. Second, rotate the eggs in the incubator - this is in addition to turning them three times a day. Third, close to hatching time (21 days in the incubator) listen and watch. We had been told not to help the biddies hatch (remove the shell or open the egg a bit) as this would make for a weak bird, but about nine of our eggs were fully developed but the shells were too hard for the little chicks to break through. They expired in the process and we lost about a dozen little chicks. Fourth, remove the water from the incubator so the babies will not drown (I lost one this way) or move the chicks immediately to another container keeping them warm and dry, but providing food and water (in a container they cannot fall into).
Our chicks did not eat anything on the first day after they hatched, but on the second day they ate like they were starving and haven't slowed down. It took about an hour after hatching for them to dry and get their legs under them, but at a week old they are flutter flying all around their box. The first chick is still the boss of the others as evidence by her tending her flock. I know this will change when they are merged with the larger chicks that are about 7 - 8 weeks now.
I was a proud Mama yesterday when I went into the pen late in the day and found my older chicks (about 4 months old) on the perch roosting with my hens. They have found their place in the flock and the hens are keeping them in line but have accepted them.
I know I have a ways to go, but this has been a most gratifying process and I think I might just try another couple of dozen in a week or so. My friends are anxious to put my babies in a pot for chicken and dumplings, but I think they may have to go to the grocer for their chickens.
Thanks for stopping in for a visit and come back soon!
Happy reading!
Belle
With our laying hens and roosters, our new chicks brings our flock to number twenty four. Of course, some of these precious babies will be roosters and will either go in the cookpot or to the sale barn.
I want to share a few things we learned through this process. First, keep the temperature between 98 and 100 degrees. We maintained the 100 degree point through the use of an old thermostat from a discarded hot water heater. Second, rotate the eggs in the incubator - this is in addition to turning them three times a day. Third, close to hatching time (21 days in the incubator) listen and watch. We had been told not to help the biddies hatch (remove the shell or open the egg a bit) as this would make for a weak bird, but about nine of our eggs were fully developed but the shells were too hard for the little chicks to break through. They expired in the process and we lost about a dozen little chicks. Fourth, remove the water from the incubator so the babies will not drown (I lost one this way) or move the chicks immediately to another container keeping them warm and dry, but providing food and water (in a container they cannot fall into).
Our chicks did not eat anything on the first day after they hatched, but on the second day they ate like they were starving and haven't slowed down. It took about an hour after hatching for them to dry and get their legs under them, but at a week old they are flutter flying all around their box. The first chick is still the boss of the others as evidence by her tending her flock. I know this will change when they are merged with the larger chicks that are about 7 - 8 weeks now.
I was a proud Mama yesterday when I went into the pen late in the day and found my older chicks (about 4 months old) on the perch roosting with my hens. They have found their place in the flock and the hens are keeping them in line but have accepted them.
I know I have a ways to go, but this has been a most gratifying process and I think I might just try another couple of dozen in a week or so. My friends are anxious to put my babies in a pot for chicken and dumplings, but I think they may have to go to the grocer for their chickens.
Thanks for stopping in for a visit and come back soon!
Happy reading!
Belle
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
I fear this is going to be a long process - one more hatched overnight and two more are cracking. The two that were cracking yesterday are still in process. It seems the blue eggs (probably a variety of a game chicken) hatching hatching easier than the brown eggs which is logical as the brown eggs have probably been fed a laying mash with extra calcium where the game chicks foraged free.
I have two beige and 1 black. One precious baby got into the water container before I could get to it and drowned. So, if 50 - 75 % are expected to hatch, we started with 120 eggs, lost 12 due to accidental crushing or dropping, a hen is still sitting on 6 and 6 are ladies in waiting, then I still have a long long way to go.
Expect 5 more to hatch today, but that is what I thought yesterday also. Buying the eggs as mixed dozens, I have no idea what we will end up with, but I must be game for anything or we wouldn't have started this process to begin with.
It looks like we are pretty close to the normal hatching days as the eggs were started on March 21 and that puts us on day 24. Thanks for letting me share this experience with you and come back soon for more updates.
By the way, the garden has not suffered as I have hoed and planted while the chicks are doing their thing! Thanks to all the rain we have had over the winter and early spring, the flowers and plants are flourishing. I did lose my sago palms, but we had a really nasty winter as far as temperatures and snow went. My "thrift" is beautiful and I am so pleased that my rosa rugosa came back and is so full and lush. My asparagus is sprouting its little shoots everywhere and the hostas (thanks to all the rain) has multiplied into large bushy clumps.
Again, thanks for visiting and come back soon!
Happy reading!
Belle
I have two beige and 1 black. One precious baby got into the water container before I could get to it and drowned. So, if 50 - 75 % are expected to hatch, we started with 120 eggs, lost 12 due to accidental crushing or dropping, a hen is still sitting on 6 and 6 are ladies in waiting, then I still have a long long way to go.
Expect 5 more to hatch today, but that is what I thought yesterday also. Buying the eggs as mixed dozens, I have no idea what we will end up with, but I must be game for anything or we wouldn't have started this process to begin with.
It looks like we are pretty close to the normal hatching days as the eggs were started on March 21 and that puts us on day 24. Thanks for letting me share this experience with you and come back soon for more updates.
By the way, the garden has not suffered as I have hoed and planted while the chicks are doing their thing! Thanks to all the rain we have had over the winter and early spring, the flowers and plants are flourishing. I did lose my sago palms, but we had a really nasty winter as far as temperatures and snow went. My "thrift" is beautiful and I am so pleased that my rosa rugosa came back and is so full and lush. My asparagus is sprouting its little shoots everywhere and the hostas (thanks to all the rain) has multiplied into large bushy clumps.
Again, thanks for visiting and come back soon!
Happy reading!
Belle
Monday, April 12, 2010
Consistently for three weeks we have turned eggs three times a day - 6 to 8 hours apart - not knowing whether we had even purchased fertile eggs, nevertheless, hoping that our efforts would pay off. Friday was suppose to be hatching day, but I do understand that the temperature must stay within the 99 to 100 degree window for the process to even begin, so it can vary by a few days.
We started checking the eggs on Friday in hopes that we would be able to watch the little shells burst open and little creatures would emerge. My daughter and granddaughter, very excited over the idea, swore they heard scratching and chirping. I heard nothing and was sure they were hallucinating due their wishing to be part of the birthing process.
I had a rather busy morning on the inside and did not rush out to check my biddies and the eggs in the incubator, but around mid-morning I hit the barn. Two little biddies had hatched and were soaking wet and wobbling around in the incubator. With pounding heart and a smile on my face, I quickly gathered them in an old towel and tucked them safely into the corner of the incubator to keep them warm and dry. I removed the water and placed a small plastic top in the bottom with water and feed. It took about an hour for them to settled in and start to cuddle in their bed. That was about 4 hours ago and 5 more eggs are cracking and the little peeps are chirping away in their shells.
Of course I called hubby to let him know that his 10 dozen egg purchase was not in vain and that the little peeps were hatching fine. I am now the nursey and delivery nurse for the rest of the day. Will catch you up on my progress during the day. I am in the process of making a true nursery for the little darlings. I have read that the process can take from 5 - 10 days so I will be watchful until I am sure the process in over.
Stay with me on my chicken and biddy venture! It is so exciting to watch the miracle of birth which only further affirms that our God is one of miracles!
Happy reading!
Belle
We started checking the eggs on Friday in hopes that we would be able to watch the little shells burst open and little creatures would emerge. My daughter and granddaughter, very excited over the idea, swore they heard scratching and chirping. I heard nothing and was sure they were hallucinating due their wishing to be part of the birthing process.
I had a rather busy morning on the inside and did not rush out to check my biddies and the eggs in the incubator, but around mid-morning I hit the barn. Two little biddies had hatched and were soaking wet and wobbling around in the incubator. With pounding heart and a smile on my face, I quickly gathered them in an old towel and tucked them safely into the corner of the incubator to keep them warm and dry. I removed the water and placed a small plastic top in the bottom with water and feed. It took about an hour for them to settled in and start to cuddle in their bed. That was about 4 hours ago and 5 more eggs are cracking and the little peeps are chirping away in their shells.
Of course I called hubby to let him know that his 10 dozen egg purchase was not in vain and that the little peeps were hatching fine. I am now the nursey and delivery nurse for the rest of the day. Will catch you up on my progress during the day. I am in the process of making a true nursery for the little darlings. I have read that the process can take from 5 - 10 days so I will be watchful until I am sure the process in over.
Stay with me on my chicken and biddy venture! It is so exciting to watch the miracle of birth which only further affirms that our God is one of miracles!
Happy reading!
Belle
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
My World in April
Only a few days left before we see whether or not or diligence has paid off and we are blessed with new chicks. The process hasn't really been that bad, but has been a little inconvenient having to turn the eggs three times a day.
Wouldn't you know it, one of our hens has gone back to brooding (sitting) on her eggs. It would have been nice if she had decided to do this 20 days ago. Anyway, that means I will be doing without her eggs for a few weeks, but I have two more hens that have started laying regularly.
Plan on getting some tomatoes and pepper plants in this weekend in between yard selling and visiting with my grandchildren. My potaoes are growing profusely and the beets, beans, squash, and lettuce are all showing their little heads and the rain scheduled for tomorrow will not only provided relief from the pollen, but also give these little guys a much needed drink. After the weekend I will put the okra in as the ground will not only be moist but warm enough for the temperamental okra seeds to sprout. I do believe those little okra seeds have a thermometer stuck in them and they refuse to take action until it reaches the ideal temperature - maybe I should put them in the incubator.
My hostas and canna lillies have started poking their beautiful green foliage through the ground and I am anxious to see how well they multiplied in their first year. I will dig them up and separate in the fall, but I usually let them rest in the first year. I do believe I managed to kill my asparagus fern by dividing this spring. Usually, an asparagus fern needs to be divided each spring by removing from the pot and cutting into four equal pie shaped and then replanting in fresh potting soil. I noticed when I divided my two pots, the roots were extremely spongy so I was unsure whether they would make it or not. I should have seen some new growth by now as it has been almost two weeks since I divided and re-potted. I may need to start over with the ferns.
In all my 50 years in dealing with plants, I have never been able to grow Aloe. I know, everyone says it is the easiest thing in the world to grow, but up until this year I could kill it by thinking about it. My dear sister gave me several plants when I requested some droppings from her Chandelier cactus (fern). A story in itself as to how she came about having this unusual, but beautiful plant, but I seemed to have left mine exposed during an early cold snap year before and wanted to start some more. Not only did sis bless me with many baby cactus, but gifted me with many, many Aloe.
I tried something different and am well pleased with the results. I took a couple of fish bowls, poured sand in the bottom to about 2 inches, adding 3-4 inches of potting soil, then watering until the potting soil is damp (not wet) once a week. The aloe has flourished in these bowls and they make a beautiful centerpiece. The fronds lift out of the bowl and spread. I added a few small animals to the bowls which has become a favorite topic of conversation.
Time for me to get a move on it. I am making some pretty halter tops and vests to go in my online shop (http://www.clairescollections.etsy.com/), but that will have to wait until after my yard sale this weekend. Keep your eyes open I may have something just for you listed soon. I hope you have a great day and thanks for stopping in!
Happy reading!
Belle
Wouldn't you know it, one of our hens has gone back to brooding (sitting) on her eggs. It would have been nice if she had decided to do this 20 days ago. Anyway, that means I will be doing without her eggs for a few weeks, but I have two more hens that have started laying regularly.
Plan on getting some tomatoes and pepper plants in this weekend in between yard selling and visiting with my grandchildren. My potaoes are growing profusely and the beets, beans, squash, and lettuce are all showing their little heads and the rain scheduled for tomorrow will not only provided relief from the pollen, but also give these little guys a much needed drink. After the weekend I will put the okra in as the ground will not only be moist but warm enough for the temperamental okra seeds to sprout. I do believe those little okra seeds have a thermometer stuck in them and they refuse to take action until it reaches the ideal temperature - maybe I should put them in the incubator.
My hostas and canna lillies have started poking their beautiful green foliage through the ground and I am anxious to see how well they multiplied in their first year. I will dig them up and separate in the fall, but I usually let them rest in the first year. I do believe I managed to kill my asparagus fern by dividing this spring. Usually, an asparagus fern needs to be divided each spring by removing from the pot and cutting into four equal pie shaped and then replanting in fresh potting soil. I noticed when I divided my two pots, the roots were extremely spongy so I was unsure whether they would make it or not. I should have seen some new growth by now as it has been almost two weeks since I divided and re-potted. I may need to start over with the ferns.
In all my 50 years in dealing with plants, I have never been able to grow Aloe. I know, everyone says it is the easiest thing in the world to grow, but up until this year I could kill it by thinking about it. My dear sister gave me several plants when I requested some droppings from her Chandelier cactus (fern). A story in itself as to how she came about having this unusual, but beautiful plant, but I seemed to have left mine exposed during an early cold snap year before and wanted to start some more. Not only did sis bless me with many baby cactus, but gifted me with many, many Aloe.
I tried something different and am well pleased with the results. I took a couple of fish bowls, poured sand in the bottom to about 2 inches, adding 3-4 inches of potting soil, then watering until the potting soil is damp (not wet) once a week. The aloe has flourished in these bowls and they make a beautiful centerpiece. The fronds lift out of the bowl and spread. I added a few small animals to the bowls which has become a favorite topic of conversation.
Time for me to get a move on it. I am making some pretty halter tops and vests to go in my online shop (http://www.clairescollections.etsy.com/), but that will have to wait until after my yard sale this weekend. Keep your eyes open I may have something just for you listed soon. I hope you have a great day and thanks for stopping in!
Happy reading!
Belle
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Back to the Basics
Those days of one or two eggs are hopefully gone. One day last week we found four little beauties in the coop and yesterday hubby brought in three. With more sunshine and warmer temps these little darlings should start really producing. Not much sunshine today, but the weather is still warm here in central Georgia - at least there is no snow and ice!
Hubby decided to double the garden size this year and I am much afraid that he is about to double it again. With all the good veggies we harvested last year, he has found many new things he would like to grow. The potatoes, beets and bush beans are planted as is the asparagus. As much as I love fresh corn, it is not an efficient crop to grow. With only two or three ears to a stalk, the time and cost of the seeds, in planting and fertilizing does not equal a profitable return. We'll see if we can still get a dozen ears for a dollar this year. I may be way out of line with my thinking on this one.
I am growin my lettuce in containers this year. It will be easier to manage and will provide a lovely addition to the deck. I found some seeds for that delicious buttercrunch lettuce that I am more than ready to get planted, as well as some green leaf lettcue. I haven't tried to grow any of the oriental varieties, but the foliage on the ones I have looked at in the seed catalogue is so pretty I may try a container of those also.
The squash of last year was so good that we will definitely plant more of it as well as the okra. I will also put in some zucchini this year. Zucchini with some spicy deer sausage and tomatoes make a tasty sauce for pasta of any kind. Okra will go in last as the ground has to be warmed for the okra to sprout. Celebrity and rutgers are my tomatoes of choice, but we will see what hubby finds. He has been seed shopping and has found some pretty interesting varieties this year. Looks like my spring is already full, if I get all this stuff planted. Let's just hope the neighbor's chicken don't rape the garden as they did last year. They ate the seeds as fast as I put them in and those that did germinate provided fodder for those chicks all summer - they got more tomatoes than I did!
The warmer weather and the increase in sunshine has been a healing balm to my mind. It has been jumping with ideas which is a great relief as I was afraid my creativity was gone for good, so I guess I better get started on me an Etsy site so I can share my creations with the world. Who would have thought in the 1970s that we could reach so many people at one time via a keyboard and a internet connection as we do today. That is what thinking outside the box will do for you!
I thank you for dropping by and wish for you a peaceful and happy day.
Happy reading!
Belle
Hubby decided to double the garden size this year and I am much afraid that he is about to double it again. With all the good veggies we harvested last year, he has found many new things he would like to grow. The potatoes, beets and bush beans are planted as is the asparagus. As much as I love fresh corn, it is not an efficient crop to grow. With only two or three ears to a stalk, the time and cost of the seeds, in planting and fertilizing does not equal a profitable return. We'll see if we can still get a dozen ears for a dollar this year. I may be way out of line with my thinking on this one.
I am growin my lettuce in containers this year. It will be easier to manage and will provide a lovely addition to the deck. I found some seeds for that delicious buttercrunch lettuce that I am more than ready to get planted, as well as some green leaf lettcue. I haven't tried to grow any of the oriental varieties, but the foliage on the ones I have looked at in the seed catalogue is so pretty I may try a container of those also.
The squash of last year was so good that we will definitely plant more of it as well as the okra. I will also put in some zucchini this year. Zucchini with some spicy deer sausage and tomatoes make a tasty sauce for pasta of any kind. Okra will go in last as the ground has to be warmed for the okra to sprout. Celebrity and rutgers are my tomatoes of choice, but we will see what hubby finds. He has been seed shopping and has found some pretty interesting varieties this year. Looks like my spring is already full, if I get all this stuff planted. Let's just hope the neighbor's chicken don't rape the garden as they did last year. They ate the seeds as fast as I put them in and those that did germinate provided fodder for those chicks all summer - they got more tomatoes than I did!
The warmer weather and the increase in sunshine has been a healing balm to my mind. It has been jumping with ideas which is a great relief as I was afraid my creativity was gone for good, so I guess I better get started on me an Etsy site so I can share my creations with the world. Who would have thought in the 1970s that we could reach so many people at one time via a keyboard and a internet connection as we do today. That is what thinking outside the box will do for you!
I thank you for dropping by and wish for you a peaceful and happy day.
Happy reading!
Belle
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Update on my Chickens
I called him Rufus and Hubby called him Roscoe. He is now known as Rudy and has easily been tamed. My ole rooster with his pecking at my feet and flying at me with his deadly spurs has calmed considerably over the past week.
Something devoured two of my layers and left the emptied carcass for me to move. Matilda has never been a good layer (and not too friendly, to boot) so I needed more chickens if I wanted to continue to get eggs everyday. After making the coop and the barn a bit more secure, off to the local sale barn we went and there they were - beautiful Rhode Island Reds just waiting on me. We purchased five of these beauties and in the mix was a young rooster. We wanted all layers, but were willing to take the rooster to get the other four. Rhode Island Reds are proficient layers, but are also known for their aggressive nature.
We move the transport pens into the barn and slowly released our new friends. It being dark, Matilda and Rudy were already on the roost, so we knew there would be no interaction. The new birds went right to roost and settled in with no fuss. The next morning was a different story. Yes, Rudy had a gleam in his eye with all the new chicks about, but that young rooster really irritated him. He pranced and clawed and showed his stuff for two days finally settling down and accepting the fact he was no longer the cock of the walk. The new layers explored and ignored Rudy and Matilda and "took over" the chicken coop and barn. They definitely outnumbered Rudy and Matilda.
I haven't named the new layers or the rooster, but I am working on it. These layers are very friendly and love to eat out of your hand and enjoyed a bit of rubbing, too. One has already started laying and I am looking forward to getting more than one egg every two days.
Thanks for letting me share my day on the farm with you and
Happy reading!
Belle
Something devoured two of my layers and left the emptied carcass for me to move. Matilda has never been a good layer (and not too friendly, to boot) so I needed more chickens if I wanted to continue to get eggs everyday. After making the coop and the barn a bit more secure, off to the local sale barn we went and there they were - beautiful Rhode Island Reds just waiting on me. We purchased five of these beauties and in the mix was a young rooster. We wanted all layers, but were willing to take the rooster to get the other four. Rhode Island Reds are proficient layers, but are also known for their aggressive nature.
We move the transport pens into the barn and slowly released our new friends. It being dark, Matilda and Rudy were already on the roost, so we knew there would be no interaction. The new birds went right to roost and settled in with no fuss. The next morning was a different story. Yes, Rudy had a gleam in his eye with all the new chicks about, but that young rooster really irritated him. He pranced and clawed and showed his stuff for two days finally settling down and accepting the fact he was no longer the cock of the walk. The new layers explored and ignored Rudy and Matilda and "took over" the chicken coop and barn. They definitely outnumbered Rudy and Matilda.
I haven't named the new layers or the rooster, but I am working on it. These layers are very friendly and love to eat out of your hand and enjoyed a bit of rubbing, too. One has already started laying and I am looking forward to getting more than one egg every two days.
Thanks for letting me share my day on the farm with you and
Happy reading!
Belle
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