Recent content by HeyBigRhondaq

Oh my!!! I got a new phone and for THE LONGEST TIME, I couldn't get this site to recognize me or change my password! I am BACK!!! I hope all are well. There is no way I'm reading everything I've missed. My update...lots of predators, sold all but 1 Jubilee pullet, excited for my Creles, have...

Interesting...I had my first cross-beak in this hatch. Lets keep our fingers crossed for a better outcome on the next one!

@Kassaundra sorry to hear of your loss. Dry incubation peeps, do you think the crazy long days of rain (and therefore high humidity) would be enough to mess up a hatch? I had two excellent totally dry hatches. Then the one due yesterday resulted in 4 (out of 16) dead in shell just like I was...

@All, what age do you butcher heritage breeds? Orpingtons in particular. Is 13 weeks WAY too early? I don't care if I have to use two for a meal, but would like at least SOME meat on the bone.

Many things, not gonna quote... I didn't add ANY water, Brinsea Eco 20 (so it has a fan). It truly seemed more natural. They fluffed up quickly, I could grab them when I needed, and cleanup was a breeze. I don't plan to ever buy a larger incubator, so I am thrilled with this outcome. But I do...

I hear ya on that one. As I'm sorting, I think "Why am I spending so much time on this? They could be gone tomorrow." I can't help it...

I just had my very first extremely successful totally dry hatch. 17 of 18 hatched. The 1 stopped around day 18. Zero water, grabbed chicks here and there without worrying too much, easy clean-up. Now, yes, I will check air cell size from time to time, but I am HOOKED. Chicken math has morphed...

Talked with her and took her some chicks yesterday!

I thought you all might like to see my Jubilees! I reduced down my girls to my three best, put them with my biggest boy, and produced pullets like the second picture. I can't wait for the ones that are really "mine" to mature.

I should have some Barnevelders early this week. I'd love to give some to 4H kids. I grew up in 4H. It's how I know which side of the plate a fork goes, how to sew, how to cook, and how to run a proper meeting! Feel free to pass on my info to him or vice versa.

I want a chocolate! I am growing out a black boy split to lavender and chocolate, so bred to a lavender (apparently the ONE I'll have) should/could produce one for me, as well as black and lavender.

Maybe try leaving one out there. If it disappears, you know something got it. If it stays, the hens are probably molting.

Olive a Egger comb. On all pullets...talked to someone today who took five chicks from the same hatch...all girls. I believe it had something to do with something I did during incubation. That was winter time and I was having a difficult time getting better than 60% to hatch! had a lot of...

I will post pics tomorrow. I'm so glad your Jubilee made the cut! I kept two new ones. Unbelievably, from my very first hatch, ALL were girls. No joke. I kept them for 12 weeks because I kept thinking one MUST be a boy.

My first olive egg! I didn't think she carried the blue gene, so my Ameraucanas may be pure after all! Her comb isn't a peacomb, but it's not exactly like a Marans either. My Jubilees are laying again. Fertility is back up after bum trims. I don't want any more for myself (actually sold a few...