Arizona Chickens

[Mahonri]

Quote:
Get better... we've had the crud going through our family.

DW & DS#1 were stuck on I-17 just south of Camp Verde for almost an hour behind a 12 car/truck pileup.

They are now 43 miles outside of Phoenix headed south.

I've got two high schoolers going to practices, two nephews and wives from out of town that I asked to dinner thinking my wife would be home by now to go out with us.

Gotta get rides to practices, check to see if the Excursion has gas... oh, I'm just dandy and I mowed the lawn out there at about 1PM... toasty! Thank the Lord for the pool!

 

[redrocketrooster]

Thanks Cheerful, I have a date tomorrow too. Then on Monday AZKat and I are going to Sprouts. I had better be well, it's been hard to schedule all this stuff.

Mahonri, Geez! That sounds really hectic.

I hope it works out.

 

[gckiddhouse]

FYI, y'all.

According the the University of Minnesota Extension article on Evaluating Egg Production Hens:

"Determining Present Laying Conditions

It is relatively easy to determine whether or not a hen is in production. Check the condition of the comb, pubic bones, abdomen, and vent. If a hen is laying, her comb and wattles should be large, red, soft, and waxy; the pubic bones should be flexible and wide apart; the abdomen should be full, soft, and pliable; and the vent should be large, moist, and free of pigment. A good layer should have more than two fingers spread between the pubic bones and three or more fingers spread between the pubic bones and the tip of the keel.

When a hen is out of production, her comb and wattles may be small, pale, and shriveled; the pubic bones are rigid and close together; the abdomen is hard and tight; and the vent is small, dry, and pigmented. Do not confuse a fatty abdomen with one that is soft and pliable due to laying condition."

Here's the link for more information: http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/livestocksystems/DI1182.html

 

[LarryPQ]

Hmmm..good info. But, I have done enough examing of chicken nether-regions for the week. I'll just wait until I catch one in the nest box.

ACTUALLY...super mystery today. I had 5---YES 5--- unidentified eggs today. Even if all three OEGBs are laying (one is still caring for a chick) that leaves 2 pullet bullets. Probably 3. I took a picture, but I cannot find the camera cord.

Yesterday's unidentified eggs are the two at the bottom. Today's 5 are the ones on the right.

On the left the owners are (left to right)
CM, BO, EE, EE, SS, sizzle, sizzle.

 

[Mahonri]

Family arrived home safe.

Ended up taking the out of town relatives to Buster's in north Scottsdale for dinner.

Excellent restaurant, food was great, service was excellent.

I've got a long day ahead of me tomorrow.

 

[LarryPQ]

Quote:
That's the one. Although Olivia's not looking so hot---none of the "hens" are.

Lemmie re-phrase: any of the hard/short feather hens, who are good breeders, all look like they got beat with the fugly stick. I think the combination of short, hard feathers and the red mites made for bald birdies. I took a pic of the exchquer leghorn/SS hens--I am pretty sure she's only got a toupee of feathers. It seems too early for a molt--and at least one of Exch/SS hens is laying. Both have heathy pink combs...

I will find the picture and see what you all think.

 

[ArizonaDesertChicks]

Quote:
Thanks, btw. I think he's pretty handsome! Emailed you back...

Policanas - Well, one was very yellow and the other very white, so either that is just two different expressions of their genes, or one is a pullet and one a roo. I hope for pullets, too!

So, hey all, here are my EEs from Mahonri's flock. Any votes on gender???

EE #1
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/uploads/19636_101_0530.jpg

EE #2 (The one with the black head)
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/uploads/19636_101_0536.jpg

EE #3
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/uploads/19636_101_0538.jpg

I agree with Mahonri - #1 & #2 are roosters, #3 is a pullet. I've got all my remaining chicks sexed (for sure). They're 10 weeks old now and I can definitely tell the pullets from the cockerels.


My chicks are still healthy after all - no more sneezing. I think it was due to those few very cold nights we had. About 3 of them started sneezing the next day and one Blue Andalusian seemed down, but after a few days, the sneezing disappeared and they're all active and doing well now (except for when they're panting in our 90 degree plus). weather.

I had my first kidney stone 2 days ago - 5 mm and I never want to go through that again!!! Terrible treatment from my doctor who at first told me I had my first UTI, NOT. After being in agony and throwing up all day, I ended up spending 7 hours in the ER (1/2 of that in the waiting room) along with my 25 year old pregnant daughter that had to go with me because hubby was out of town. Thankfully, it only lasted 24 hours.

Shaun -- Do you still think you have roosters from me? Can you post the pics of your EEs or Ameraucana mixes (sounds better)? I'm pretty sure I can tell their sex now.

Mahonri -- Some of my cockerels are sooo pretty. I wish I could keep 1 or 2. My favorite is a pretty blue one that came from the Blue Amer. and the BW Amer.
Of course, the Wheatens with the dark feathers are beautiful too. I'll be taking pictures tomorrow.

RedRocket Rooster - I hope you get feeling better soon.

 

[ArizonaDesertChicks]

Mahonri - here's a few pics of some of the babies - 10 weeks old now

An Easter Egger roo sparring off with a pullet (my only clean-faced EE)

Two of the pure Ameraucana pullets:

My favorite EE roo - he's so pretty (Blue Wheaten daddy, Blue Ameraucana hen)

Wheaten Ameracuana roos:

 

[LarryPQ]

I am in love with the "sparring off" roo. I *heart* him.

I made a booboo today. TOTALLY ON ACCIDENT. Hopefully I won't be banned from my fav feed store.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=339960

 

[gckiddhouse]

Quote:
Oh, gosh, they are so nice over there (I am guessing based on the free range turkey fact and your general loacation). I bet they won't be. The kid was right with you and gave them to you.

But, yeah. Whoops!