Arizona Chickens

[itsredcandy]

Well Hubby said if I could process a quail and show him it before (live) and after, he'd build me a quail house and I could start raising them. So, yesterday I drove from 12:30 to 3:00 round trip with 10 in hand for 2 quail to process. This morning, I got up early after only 6 hours of sleep(I love my sleep,9-10 hours is great). Ate a breakfast burrito my DH made me and then out with a pair of sheers, scissors and a 5 gallon bucket. Got the first bird, processed it with no problems. My 7 year old girl wanted to watch. She did pretty good. I thought she'd freak out but she didn't. The hens were very curious as to what I was doing and my head hen pecked the quail leg after I'd pulled the skin/feathers off. Crazy girl. Got the first one all done, very proud of myself. Went to get the second one out of the cat carrier and the darn thing flew off....grrr. Anyhow, the processing was VERY easy.

 

[AZTiff]

Well Hubby said if I could process a quail and show him it before (live) and after, he'd build me a quail house and I could start raising them. So, yesterday I drove from 12:30 to 3:00 round trip with 10 in hand for 2 quail to process. This morning, I got up early after only 6 hours of sleep(I love my sleep,9-10 hours is great). Ate a breakfast burrito my DH made me and then out with a pair of sheers, scissors and a 5 gallon bucket. Got the first bird, processed it with no problems. My 7 year old girl wanted to watch. She did pretty good. I thought she'd freak out but she didn't. The hens were very curious as to what I was doing and my head hen pecked the quail leg after I'd pulled the skin/feathers off. Crazy girl. Got the first one all done, very proud of myself. Went to get the second one out of the cat carrier and the darn thing flew off....grrr. Anyhow, the processing was VERY easy.

Quails are next on my list for our urban "farm". I want them mainly as a meat bird. Did you stun your bird before snipping the head off? I've seen it done both ways; not sure which I think is less stressful (for me & bird) and more humane. I have agreed to be the quail processor as long as hubby takes care of the rabbits.

 

[udubchick]

My babies are now 11 weeks old! Time had gone by so quickly. Our favorites so far are the BO and Speckled Sussex - they are both so sweet! The Wyandottes are a little skitish, but still ok being held once you catch them. The white rock is the class clown, but still a sweet girl. We have the 3 older gilrs that adopted us (2 EEs and 1 RIR). They're also doing great with no issues dealing with the summer heat since Lucy's scorpion incident in June. We're getting eggs regularly from Rose (RIR), on rare occasion from Goldie (EE) and never from Lucy (EE). We're assuming Goldie and Lucy are older girls.

Question.....we'll be traveling when the pullets hit 14 weeks and will need our neighbor taking care of them. Should we put them all together now to give them time to figure out their new pecking order or wait until they're 15 or 16 weeks? They don't have a good nesting set-up now, but probably too early to worry about eggs from them (I think). How long will it take for them to establish their new pecking order?

 

[udubchick]

Grapevines!

Can't say enough good things about them. They grow well here in AZ and the chickens love the leaves and any grapes they can reach. Mine are planted on the west side of a wall that is oriented north-south. I think that if you had them on a drip system, they'd do fine with just about any orientation. You can plant them inside or outside the run. Keep in mind that if they need to get out of a wired enclosure, the holes will need to be >1" in diameter. If you're using hardware cloth, outside would be best.


Early spring before they escape the confines of the run:




Old picture of vines in mid summer:

I have a grapevine as well for my girls, but it doesn't give them much shade where it's located. We've had issues with a caterpillar type thing (may be a cutworm?) eating the leaves. Any advice for controlling the bugs without putting the girls in danger? They're up where the girls can't reach them so not sure if they're eating them or not from the lower leaves.

 

[Puffycheeks]

GRAPEVINES !!! Anybody know where you can get them? Isnt it too hot to plant anything right now? Thanks for any info. !!! Also , WELCOME to all the new peeps and congrats on everyones new egg layers!!! I have heritage turkey youngsters ready for new homes if anyone is interested!!! Here is a Pic of their proud Daddy---


He looks huge , but he is all feather and air, LOL !!! He is a Rio Grande Wild!

 

[Di Gibbs]

Thanks, it is too late to plant them now, but will when the time is right. Glad to be here finally. I lurked for a while.
Hugs, Di

 

[Di Gibbs]

So cute and Welcome Di Gibbs. You will like it here.

Thanks such fun! I see myself sitting here reading lots....ha!

 

[Di Gibbs]

Welcome! And keep the cute pictures coming!

Thanks!! I have a blog with more pictures, but not sure if I could put that here.
~Di

 

[Mikey D]

Quote: Never heard of a hooded apron.

Picture please - I guess I could google it but I'm afraid I come up with cooking aprons...

 

[Novaleigh]

GOT MY FIRST DUCK EGG TODAY!!!!! It was from Cylo, our Khaki Cambell (she is exactly 4 months old today!)